New ballot approves continuation of indefinite strike action at Sheffield waste company.
The fight for workers' rights, pay and conditions is continuing in Sheffield as workers employed by Veolia on the city council’s refuse contract have overwhelmingly voted to continue their year-long strike in their fight for recognition, pay and conditions.
Unite members at the Lumley Street waste depot have voted by 90 per cent to continue their strike action, which began in August 2024.
Workers are furious that Veolia has continued to deny their basic democratic right to have their union recognised. Additionally, workers are demanding improved pay and conditions - something that has been neglected in recent years. This includes harmonisation of contractual conditions, so that workers doing the same job are not on inferior contracts to workmates, improvements to sick pay and ensuring that pay for 2026 takes inflation fully into account.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: " Our claim for recognition is not about a piece of paper. It is about fighting to win decent pay and conditions for workers. Unite is absolutely committed to this fight and is backing our members.
"A year on, this latest ballot shows the workers determination and they have the full support of Unite behind them."
Unite has submitted a pay claim but Veolia has refused to negotiate.
Unite national lead officer Onay Kasab said: “Unite’s preference is always to negotiate. But if Veolia continues to refuse to negotiate, we will not sit back. We will continue to take the action that is necessary”