Trade unions argue as bin strike approaches a year

Two trade unions are embroiled in a row almost a year after Sheffield bin workers walked out on strike.

Unite and the GMB have clashed over union recognition at Veolia, which has the waste disposal contract for Sheffield City Council.

Unite says Veolia has refused to sign a union recognition agreement with workers at the Lumley Street depot.

But the GMB says the majority of workers are its members and accused Unite of "union busting".

Unite has presented a 6,000-name petition to the council, urging the authority to take action to find a resolution to the deadlock, which first saw workers walk out last August.

Regional officer Shane Sweeting said: "Residents have signed this petition and now local councillors must intervene to drag Veolia back to the negotiating table and bring this dispute to an end with Unite being recognised."

But Peter Davies of the GMB issued a strongly worded statement.

He said: "We have had a single trade union recognition agreement in place for over 23 years and GMB represents the vast majority of these workers.

"Those rights have been hard fought for over recent decades and our reps and members will not give them up. We have good terms and conditions.

"We won't give in to any union busting attempts whether that is by an employer or, sadly, another trade union."

In response, Unite said workers had "a democratic right" to be represented by a union of their choice.

A spokesman said: "This could be resolved tomorrow with a joint recognition agreement from Veolia and agreement from the GMB.

"Instead of issuing incendiary comments, the GMB should concentrate on looking after their members' interests like Unite has been doing at Lumley Street for years.

"Unite members have taken lawful industrial action in response to having their union representation stripped away. The real issue is Veolia's refusal to engage seriously with the union that represents the majority of its workforce at this site."

Veolia said an application by Unite for recognition had been rejected by the government's central arbitration committee in April.

A spokesman said: "We are disappointed by Unite's protests.

"Veolia will always respect the right of every one of its employees to be a member of a trade union of their choice.

"Any changes to the existing agreement must be consented to by all parties, something GMB is not willing to do.

"We have been in constant dialogue with both unions and urge them to continue discussions in order to find a resolution to this inter-union dispute for our hard-working teams and residents."

Sheffield City Council said the strike had had minimal impact on bin collections and recycling.

Councillor Joe Otten, chair of the environmental services committee, said: "Veolia are willing to work with both unions however the GMB must approve this change and no agreement has been reached.

"The council has been clear that this dispute is between two unions.

"The impact has been minimised through careful management and the use of crew overtime.

"The council continues to encourage all parties to find a resolution."

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