Bin strikes set to continue in Sheffield
It's following a last-minute breakdown in talks between Unite the Union & Veolia
Bin strikes in a part of South Yorkshire look set to continue - following a 'last minute breakdown' in talks between a union representing refuse workers & their employer.
Unite members have been on strike in Sheffield since August - in an ongoing dispute around working conditions at Veolia's Lumley Street depot.
Onay Kasab is from Unite the Union - He's described the latest developments as a 'betrayal':
“Our members are rightly furious that Veolia would reach an agreement, which let us not forget is based on a document which they drafted and proposed, only for them to now say they will not stand by it.
"In effect Veolia has withdrawn its own proposal once the union agreed it. We made no additional demands. This is straightforward duplicity”
“But we will not back down. We will not give in. And we will stay the course in this dispute.”
A Veolia spokesperson said:
"Veolia has delayed signing the recognition agreement with Unite due to the GMB raising a counter dispute with both the TUC and Veolia.
"We need both unions to work together and have appealed to the TUC to intervene on a number of occasions. It is time for this to end.
"Veolia’s focus remains on supporting our team locally and keeping services and collections running for the residents of Sheffield who we are proud to serve."