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Veolia signs a national deal on recognition with the T&G
Page 18
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Drivers working for major refuse c:ontractor will benefit from "enhanced industrial relations" after years of discussion. Chris Tindall reports.
ABOUT 100 REFUSE and recycling drivers working for Veolia Environmental Services will benefit from union recognition after the local authorities' contractor signed a national agreement.
The Transport and General Workers (T&G) union says the decision means it now has collective bargaining rights for 1,000 employees, and also allows an annual national forum for shop stewards to take place.
Veolia, which has contracts with 28 local authorities, says the agreement was the result of nearly three years of discussions and will "regulate and consolidate relations with the T&G".
Its UK and Northern Europe chief executive, Cyrille du Peloux, adds: "Instead of being just a procedural agreement we believe it will enhance industrial relations, enabling us to work together more closely on a day-to-day basis," Peter Allenson of the T&G says union recognition at Veolia is vital if drivers are to be supported by both their employer and their union: "This is an important company in a very challenging and important area of local government where the service provided doesn't just matter to local cornrnunities but globally too."
Veolia recently bought waste operator Cleanaway, which is currently in dispute with the GMB union over alleged bad management practices at its King's Lynn depot (CM 7 September).
However, the T&G says it has been told there should be no problem extending this national agreement to Cleanaway staff, possibly within the next two months.