SHEFFIELD is braced for further disruption of refuse collections today as bin workers escalate their industrial action to an indefinite strike over Veolia’s refusal to recognise their union.

Nearly 100 Unite members working out of the Lumley Street depot will take part in the action.

Around 80 per cent of the depot’s workforce is represented by the union, which has a national bargaining agreement with the company at numerous other sites nationwide.

However, according the union, Veolia insists that another union is the sole recognised body.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said that the company’s stance “can only be described as union-busting,” adding: “It won’t work — strikes will continue with Unite’s full support.”

The union warns that without an agreement in place, it cannot negotiate on behalf of the workforce over issues including pay, conditions and safety.

Unite regional officer Shane Sweeting said: “Veolia could end this dispute tomorrow by doing the right thing and recognising the workers’ chosen union, Unite.

“Veolia bears complete responsibility for the rubbish that will pile up across Sheffield because of its refusal to recognise Unite.”

Veolia was approached for comment.