Veolia takes legal action against Unite
Veolia said it has started legal action against Unite and its general Sharon Graham, claiming defamation.
The company said the move followed months of protests and 'smear campaigns' by the union and attempts to harm its business.
Since August 2024, dozens of Unite members based in Sheffield have been on strike in pursuit of union recognition, which Veolia claimed included a campaign of defamation.
The company said Unite's actions seek to pressure it into breaking an existing union recognition agreement in place at its Sheffield site with the GMB union.
A Veolia spokesperson said: 'We do not take this legal action lightly, but we must stand up against Unite's excessive tactics that are in total contrast to the quality of our industrial relations in the UK.
'Despite working closely with five trade union partners across the UK, including Unite, we find ourselves targeted by this defamatory campaign.
'We will always support good industrial relations but we will not allow anyone to attack our business, our reputation, our colleagues or our partners with baseless accusations.'
Unite has been approached for a comment.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Chill Factore launches new ski and snowboard programme to get you holiday ready
Chill Factore is helping to make snow sports more accessible through a new nationwide campaign. Snowsport England has launched Way2Snow, a programme giving people the chance to learn skiing or snowboarding before their winter holiday. The initiative is in collaboration with organisations including Chill Factore in Manchester and other sites around the UK. Way2Snow invites participants to learn at these indoor facilities, aiming to prepare them for a mountain holiday next winter. The programme costs £299 for adults and £249 for ages 11 to 16 (Image: Jason Senior REDPIX) The programme costs £299 for adults and £249 for ages 11 to 16. This includes 12 hours of lessons, free equipment hire and discounts on winter sports holidays, clothing and gear. Those with disabilities and additional needs can also book tailored sessions through Disability Snowsport UK. James Arnold, CEO of Snowsport England, said: "Snowsports are the perfect sport to try for fun, whatever your age or fitness level. "Similar to the Couch to 5K programme, Way2Snow is specifically designed to take someone with little or no experience to a proficient level, guided by expert instructors at all three centres at a heavily reduced price." A portion of the fee will go towards supporting Disability Snowsport UK and Snow Camp, a charity which helps young people through snowsports. READ MORE: Paddy McGuinness joins famous faces for TV and radio star's festival line up How to see stunning 'shooting star' display as meteor shower peaks in UK skies Sainsbury's shoppers delighted as supermarket adds item to its meal deal Virginia Anderson, CEO of Disability Snowsport UK, said: "Skiing and snowboarding are very accessible for all kinds of learners; it's all about the right equipment and instruction tailored to your needs. "Through Way2Snow, Disability Snowsport UK hopes to provide one-to-one tuition to many more disabled people and learners with additional needs." For more information and to book a package, visit the Snowsport England website. Packages are redeemable until August 31, 2025.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Padel courts at hotel approved despite noise and light fears from residents
Plans for the construction of four padel courts at a landmark Ribble Valley hotel have been approved. The sport, which if a mix of tennis and squash, has seen the number of courts across the UK double in the last year to around 400. Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK, and Mytton Fold Hotel, near Langho, is aiming to capitalise on the boom. Residents living close to the hotel raised concerns about light pollution from the floodlights and noise from players and spectators. Mytton Fold Hotel (Image: Archive) One person also said in a response to the council: "Padel is apparently noisier than tennis, so the noise from padel rackets hitting balls and balls hitting the court walls will be disruptive for local residents. "As it is a competitive sport there will also be cheering/jeering from the players within the open courts." Another person told the council the courts were "wholly inappropriate" for a residential area and that development would "change the character and peace of our immediate surroundings." They said the addition of floodlights "strongly suggests" the courts will be used at what they called "unsociable hours." READ MORE: MPs have Disabled people's 'lives in their hands' but do they really understand? READ MORE: £1.5m fund ready to help growing businesses in Lancashire In approving the development, Ribble Valley Borough Council imposed the condition that the courts can only be used between 6am and 10pm, with the lights to be switched off no later than 10.15pm. The council also said the courts will be restricted to use in association with the hotel, and cannot be used as a separate business. A design and access statement submitted in March said that provision of padel courts in the borough is low, with the nearest being at the Roefield Leisure Complex in Clitheroe, and then after that in Preston and Lytham. The scheme includes four outdoor doubles courts constructed to international standards, made with a synthetic turf playing surface. A stock image of padel rackets (Image: Pixabay) Enclosures will use glass and metal with mesh fencing, which it is said are compliant with safety standards. Energy-efficient LED floodlights will be installed to allow for play in the evenings and at night, and will be made with directional shielding to minimise light spill and protect the surrounding environment. There will also be seating areas for players and spectators. To view the plans in full, visit the council's planning website.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
York's Persimmon Homes to feature on Hemsworth Town FC's kit
A football club has received a £4,000 donation from a York-based housebuilder. Hemsworth Town FC was awarded the funding by Persimmon Homes, with the money set to provide new football kits for players at the West Yorkshire club. The donation came through Persimmon's Community Champions scheme, to which the club had applied. Sam Britton, commercial manager and coach at Hemsworth Town FC, said: "We're absolutely delighted to welcome Persimmon Homes as a sponsor. "Their support will make a genuine difference to our club and the wider community. "Partnerships like this are crucial for the continued growth of grassroots football, and we're really excited about what the future holds. "To mark the partnership, Persimmon Homes will proudly feature on every one of our home shirts." Ben Bowman, West Yorkshire senior land manager at Persimmon Homes, said: "It was a pleasure to visit Hemsworth Community Centre and meet with Hemsworth Town FC. "Seeing first-hand how the team are supporting the community and getting more people into sport was fantastic. "We're looking forward to working further with the club, and we are proud to support them." Persimmon Homes staff met with club representatives, and Hemsworth Town Council councillor Harriet Saxon, during a visit to Hemsworth Community Centre.