GMB urges council to right this wrong as soon as possible

GMB, the union for Sheffield refuse workers, is calling on Sheffield City Council to force its major contractor Veolia to pay the living wage.

The company, which holds the contract to take care of the council’s recycling and waste needs, is refusing to pay the Real Living Wage of £8.45 an hour.

Paying a living wage is policy within Sheffield City Council.

Sheffield workers on average are paid less than anywhere else in the country.

GMB asks why was paying staff the living wage not a condition of the council’s recent tendering of the waste contract to Veolia.

Peter Davies, GMB, Senior Organiser said:

“The living wage is called that for reason – it’s the minimum hourly rate needed for people to be able to pay their rent, put food on their family’s table and clothe their children.

“Sheffield City Council has rightly agreed to pay the living wage throughout the authority.

“So why are they allowing Veolia to pay staff below the living wage?

“And why didn’t they insist on it as part of their contract with them?

“GMB calls on Sheffield City Council to right this wrong as soon as possible.”

ENDS

Contact: GMB Press Office on 07958 156846 or at [email protected]