Waste collection strike: workers assess new proposal

Sunday 27 April 2025 - 14:20

By: Zahouani Ilham

Waste collection strike: workers assess new proposal

The indefinite waste collection strike has reached a critical point as workers gather to review the latest proposal. Over a thousand workers, exceeding the expected turnout, assembled at Villaverde’s Warehouse to hear the end-of-strike offer agreed upon by unions and companies. After six days of protests, during which overflowing trash became a visible problem across the city, the new proposal has sparked mixed reactions. Some points were celebrated, while others led to disappointment. The final decision now rests with the workers, with the union representative of Sector Profesional RSU stating, "More yeses than nos, and the strike will end."

The agreement is set to last six years, a term that has caused some dissatisfaction among the workers since the original proposal from CCOO, UGT, and RSU called for a two-year renewal. However, significant improvements were made in most areas, particularly in wages and social conditions. Salaries are set to increase in 2025 by 1.5%, along with an additional 3 euros per day for night shifts. Subsequent raises will be 1.5% in 2026, 2% in 2027, 3% in 2028, and 5% in 2029.

Social benefits also saw improvements, including the elimination of exams for promotions, which will now require a minimum of three to seven years of experience. The deal also ensures that partial permanent employees will have their working hours increased by 20%, depending on previous experience, along with additional rest days for night shifts and four extra days off annually until 2029. Furthermore, workers with 39 years of service will receive an 80% salary increase, up from the previous 70%, while those with 44 years of service will be entitled to a 90% salary increase.