Workers at a hazardous waste plant in Walsall set to strike over ‘poverty pay’

Workers at a hazardous waste plant in Walsall are to take strike action over their pay and conditions.

Employees of Veolia ES Ltd have voted to walk out after being offered just £14 per hour to deal with potentially deadly hazardous waste at the Empire Works facility in Walsall, trade union Unite said.

More than a dozen members of the Unite union who are responsible for the safe handling and disposal of hazardous waste including nitrous oxide, cyanide, asbestos and, occasionally, radioactive materials have been left furious over their low rate of pay which currently stands at £13.27 per hour.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "These workers are being paid next to peanuts for what is inherently dangerous work and where any mishap would mean risking not only their own lives but the safety of thousands in the local area.

"That a company like Veolia, which makes millions, sees fit to pay them barely above minimum wage is a disgrace. Our members have the full backing of Unite in this dispute."

Unite regional officer Asif Mohammed added: "Veolia’s workers are on poverty pay at rates below the living wage. While doing some of the most unpleasant work imaginable. Veolia has refused to even meet them face to face and they are being treated with disdain by an employer who can easily afford to do so much better.

"Most of these workers are having to do endless overtime to try to make ends meet which is having a terrible effect on their family life. Veolia should be ashamed in asking those doing such a tough job to accept such poverty pay."

Workers are set to walk out from November 23 to December 7, with the possibility of further strike action being called over Christmas.

Veolia, which is based off Stubbers Green Road, Aldridge, Walsall, is a global resource management business that provides water, waste, and energy services to towns, cities, and businesses.

The company has been contacted for comment.