On 21st July 2025, we received the below response from Councillor Tom Hunt (Leader of Sheffield City Council) to the open letter signed by members of Sheffield UCU regarding the Unite-Veolia Dispute (sent 3rd July 2025).
Dear [Sheffield UCU],
It’s good to be in touch. I hope you are well.
Thank you to you and UCU members for contacting me about Veolia and the current industrial action.
Firstly, let me say that the city’s hard working refuse collectors provide an important public service every day for the people of Sheffield. I am extremely grateful for their service.
Secondly, I share your desire to see this dispute resolved as soon as possible. The ongoing dispute is between two unions within Veolia’s workforce and not within the Council. But I can assure you that I have been doing as much as I can to find a resolution.
By way of background, it may be helpful to clarify the current situation:
- Veolia have a contract to run all household waste and recycling services in Sheffield. Refuse collectors work for Veolia.
- Unite are taking industrial action at Veolia because they are seeking official recognition of their union by Veolia.
- Veolia have a longstanding recognition agreement with GMB, who represent the majority of the workforce at Veolia. The agreement dates back to 2004.
- Veolia’s position is that they are willing to work with both GMB and Unite.
- However, as the GMB have the majority membership, the terms of the existing agreement with Veolia require that the GMB must approve this change.
- While discussions have taken place between Unite and the GMB, an agreement has not yet been reached.
Unite asked the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) to review their application for recognition within the Sheffield contract. On the 3rd of April, the CAC as an independent statutory authority, published its decision, rejecting Unite’s application recognising the existing agreement in place between the GMB and Veolia.
As Leader of Sheffield City Council, I have taken an active role to bring all parties together to facilitate negotiations. I continue to encourage all parties to find a negotiated resolution. This has been the Council’s approach throughout the dispute and will continue to be so.
I urge all parties to continue to meet to find a negotiated resolution. We will continue to support the achievement of this outcome and I have stated that I am happy to facilitate further meetings of all the parties.
I hope this helps to outline the Council’s role and position in relation to the dispute.
With best wishes,
Tom