Protesters take to the streets of Sheffield

Unite members working at Veolia’s site in Sheffield continued their campaign for union recognition, holding demonstrations yesterday in the city (19 March), with around 150 members and supporters marching through the city centre.

The demonstrations started with a picket line outside the Lumley Street depot of union-busting firm, before marching onto Sheffield Town Hall to deliver a message of strength and solidarity to the city’s councillors.

Red smoke billowed into the bright blue sky above the city of steel, with flags, banners and the sound of whistles filling the streets as protesters showed the strength of feeling that members have about being refused Unite recognition.

Campaigners recently took their message to shareholders across Europe, and in a show of international solidarity members of the French CGT – Confédération Générale du Travail (General Confederation of Labour) joined workers, members and activists from Unite in the protest.

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.

Speakers from Unite and supporters addressed the crowds at the rally on the steps of Sheffield Town Hall.

John Dunn from the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign spoke about the importance of unions fighting back.

John said, “Isn’t it great to have our French comrades here . Solidarity is more than just a word. It’s on all our banners for a reason, because standing together is how we win.”

Unite organiser Paddy Hill told local paper The Star: “Binmen and loaders and drivers from Veolia Lumley Street depot have been on strike for seven months because their employer refuses to recognise their union of choice.

“So we’ve been out for seven months and we’re trying to get Veolia and Sheffield City Council, who own the contract, around the table.

“This is escalating rather than going away.”

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “Unite the union members and our comrades from the CGT made their anger felt on the picket line and at Sheffield town yesterday.

“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 to serve. It continues to make millions from taxpayer-funded contracts in Sheffield and across Europe.”

Find out more about Unite’s campaign demanding Veolia to clean up their act here.

A selection of photos from the protest are below.

By Keith Hatch

Photos by Mark Harvey