Rubbish to 'pile up' in bin strike - union warns

Indefinite strike action is planned from 20 August, Unite said

Bin collectors in Sheffield are due to start an indefinite strike on Tuesday which their union said would see rubbish "pile up" across the city.

Members of the Unite union will take part in the walkout as part of a long-running disagreement with employer Veolia about which union represents workers.

The latest action follows a five-day strike in July over Veolia's refusal to sign a union recognition agreement with workers at the Lumley Street depot, according to Unite.

Sheffield City Council and Veolia said they were working to ensure "as little disruption as possible".

Unite said it represented about 80% of the depot's workforce, but Veolia said it instead had a long-standing agreement with the GMB union, which is formally recognised.

However, Veolia disagrees with the figures and said Unite represents 47% of the workforce at Lumley Street.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Veolia’s attempts to block Unite from representing its workers when 80% are members can only be described as union-busting."

Veolia said it is urging the two unions to engage with the Trade Union Congress to resolve the matter and added its "hard-working crews" are working extra hours, including weekends, to empty bins as soon as they can.

The council said it had advised residents to leave their black, blue and brown bins out before 07:00 BST on their normal collection days - black bins will be collected as a priority.

Collection of green garden waste has been suspended between 19 and 25 August and garden waste sign-ups have also been temporarily paused.

The council also confirmed clinical waste will not be affected but bulky waste and bin deliveries will be delayed until further notice.

Bring sites will be closed and any waste left will be considered fly-tipping and subject to a £400 fine.

Councillor Joe Otten, chair of waste and street scene policy committee, said: “Please make sure you keep your friends, family and neighbours who may not be able to access updates online informed of any changes and help us to ensure we can collect everyone’s bins as soon as possible.”

'Recognise Unite'

Unite said Veolia, which has provided waste management and recycling services in Sheffield since 2001, was "claiming another union, which does not represent the vast majority of workers, is the sole recognised union".

"Without an agreement in place Unite cannot negotiate on behalf of the workforce over issues including pay, conditions and safety," it added.

Unite regional officer Shane Sweeting said: "Veolia could end this dispute tomorrow by doing the right thing and recognising the workers’ chosen union, Unite.

"Veolia bears complete responsibility for the rubbish that will pile up across Sheffield because of its refusal to recognise Unite."

A Veolia spokesperson added: “We are calling for Unite the Union and the GMB to immediately engage with the Trade Union Congress to find a resolution to this fight over membership and recognition so our people can keep delivering outstanding services to the people of Sheffield.”

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