Union announces indefinite bin strike in Sheffield
The long-running bin strike in Sheffield is set to continue after a fresh ballot from Unite the Union approved indefinite action at one of the city’s rubbish depots.
Workers at Lumley Street have been involved in a dispute with refuse contractor Veolia over union recognition since August 2024.
Unite members have been on strike since then after the French firm refused to allow union recognition on the basis they already recognise the GMB union.
While rubbish has not been piling up on the city’s streets like in Birmingham, some collections have been delayed over the industrial action.
Now Unite members at the depot have voted 90 per cent in favour of indefinite strike action.
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.”
Beth Whittaker, chief HR officer for Veolia Northern Europe said: “This is an inter-union dispute. The GMB are the majority union in Sheffield and have a long-standing recognition agreement at the site.
“Earlier this year, we agreed a multi-year pay deal for all our colleagues in Sheffield. Instead of continuing this strike action, Unite should be approaching the existing trade union to find a solution.
“All our colleagues have the right to be a member of a trade union of their choice and we respect the agreements we have with five trade union partners nationally. Veolia will continue to defend the Group, its partners and investors against Unite's campaign of defamation."