French trade unionists head to Sheffield to join picket line with Veolia refuse workers

French trade unionists are heading to Sheffield tomorrow, 19th March, to join their British counterparts on the picket line at the Lumley Street depot of Veolia.
 
French CGT – Confédération Générale du Travail (General Confederation of Labour) – members are joining workers, members and activists from the Unite in protest against Veolia who are refusing to recognise Unite to represent their workers.
 
It will be on 19th March at Lumley Street depot at 11am and at the Sheffield Town Hall at 1pm.
 
Unite members in Sheffield have been on strike to seek formal union recognition since August.

Despite reaching a deal with Veolia before Christmas, the company then pulled out at the last minute, breaking promises made to their workforce, says Unite.
 
Veolia, a French based multinational company, with headquarters in Paris, is now under pressure from unions in its homeland as well as in the UK from politicians and councillors across Sheffield.

On 19th March trade unionists will demonstrate on the picket line in Lumley Street.

They will then march to Sheffield Town Hall to deliver a message of strength and solidarity to the city’s councillors.
 
Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, said: “Veolia could end this dispute tomorrow with the stroke of a pen yet continues to undermine deals, attempt union-busting tactics and break promises to its workers and to the communities in Sheffield it is meant serve.
 
“It continues to make millions from taxpayer-funded contracts in Sheffield and across Europe.

“Unite members and our comrades from the CGT will make their anger felt on the picket line and at Sheffield town hall this week.”
 
This is the latest in a number of protests that have formed a campaign by Unite to bring Veolia back to the negotiating table.

Protests have taken place across Europe and have targeted both Veolia and its major shareholders. 

A spokesperson from Veolia said: “Unite’s international campaign of harassment and misinformation is unnecessary.

“We have just agreed a two-year pay deal for Veolia Sheffield, and Unite could have been in the negotiations.

“An offer is on the table for Unite to have a voice and seat at the table.

“It’s time for them to end this feud against a rival union and take the seat, rather than holding rallies and protests.”