A dispute over holiday back pay for Veolia refuse workers in Tower Hamlets has been resolved, Unite, the UK and Ireland’s largest union, said today (Tuesday 24 March 2020).

Unite said that in light of the coronavirus crisis, the union and Veolia, which holds the refuse, recycling and street cleaning contract for Tower Hamlets, had made finding a solution to the dispute a ‘priority’.

Following renewed negotiations, a settlement over holiday arrears was accepted yesterday by Unite’s 250 members at Veolia and staff are now working overtime to “ensure that streets are clean and rubbish is collected”.

Unite regional officer Ruth Hydon said: “Given the current crisis and the vital role refuse workers carry out in maintaining public hygiene, Unite and Veolia made finding a solution to the industrial dispute a priority.

 “Our members have accepted a settlement reached during negotiations between Unite and Veolia and the dispute is now over. Veolia staff are now working overtime across Tower Hamlets to ensure that streets are clean and rubbish is collected.”