Covanta signs union deal
COVANTA Energy has signed a deal with the GMB union covering employee relations, safety and environmental issues ahead of opening its new energy from waste plant at Ince Marshes in Cheshire.
The US-based company, which is currently developing energy-from-waste stations at a number locations across the UK, said it would work with the union to “mutually support each other” through the development of the sites – the first of which will be the 95MW plant at Ince, where up to 566 new jobs will be created during the construction phase.
Malcolm Chilton, managing director of Covanta Energy, said: “This is a really important milestone in Covanta’s history in the UK. As a company we are committed to operating our facilities to the highest standards, especially with respect to the environment and safety.
“We look forward to working closely with the GMB to help us realise these objectives.”
Gary Smith, GMB national secretary for energy said: “The national recognition agreement with Covanta is an important one for GMB members. The agreement is about more than employee relations, important as they are.
“At the core of our relationship are commitments to work together over safety and environment, issues that are important to those who will build and operate the plants as well as the local communities the plants will serve.”
