Veolia recognition opens door to private contractor representation

Public services union UNISON has signed an important national recognition agreement with private contractor Veolia Environmental Services (UK), on behalf of 12,500 employees. The company provides waste collection and recycling services to more than 100 local authorities.

The agreement, reached voluntarily, follows years of close working between the union and Veolia in the London Borough of Westminster, according to UNISON.

UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “This agreement represents a big step forward in making sure staff working for private contractors, but providing public services, do not get a raw deal when it comes to their terms and conditions.”