Zarah ChoudharyA water industry conference was the site of the latest protest by the Unite trade union against Veolia, following allegations of union-busting.
Veolia’s presence at the industry meeting on 28th and 29th January in Birmingham was met by a vocal protest by Unite activists highlighting its failure to recognise the union at its Sheffield waste depot.
Unite members working in Sheffield have been on continuous strike for months in order to get their union recognised for collective bargaining.
Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, said: “Unite has been crystal clear – we will take the fight to Veolia whenever and wherever it does business.
“We will picket their headquarters in Paris, we will protest at industry events in Arizona and we will bring our activists to demonstrate at conferences closer to home in Birmingham.
“Veolia needs to do the right thing and recognise Unite in Sheffield. Until they do, Unite will be coming for them.”
Delegates attending the conference from other water industry companies met with Unite activists and, having heard the issues, pledged to do no further business with Veolia until it backed down.
Shane Edwards, senior organiser at Unite, who attended the protest added: “Unite will be relentless in targeting Veolia.
“We had a deal on the table for recognition before Christmas which they then withdrew at the 11th hour. This has further infuriated our members and given them renewed vigour in their fight.
“Our members have the fully backing of their union as we take the battle to Veolia, their customers, their suppliers and anyone else they do business with.”
A spokesperson at Veolia said: “Veolia has been in constant dialogue with Unite and GMB to find a solution in Sheffield to end this inter-union dispute.
“Veolia will always respect the choice of our employees but will not be bullied into breaking an existing agreement with another union.
“GMB has made an offer to Unite and we urge them both to come to the table.”
