In a statement, the National Union of Local Administration Workers (STAL) says that the stoppages planned for the waste sector also include FCC Environment Portugal, on the 26th, and the Municipal Water and Waste Company of Portimão (EMARP), on January 2nd and 3rd.

“These strikes result from deep discontent and the continued lack of concrete response to workers’ demands, and the current situation requires immediate measures to increase wages across the sector, to dignify professionals and respect their roles, as well as the urgency to curb exploitation, precarious work and the degradation of working conditions”, highlights STAL.

In the note, the union highlights that workers in the waste collection and urban cleaning sector are “on the front line in providing fundamental services to populations, guaranteeing public health and a quality environment in public space”.

And, adds STAL, despite low wages and being subject “to great effort and daily exposure to high risks, workers undertake this high mission of public service without benefiting from any compensation”, which is why they demand “respect and the dignification of the functions they perform and the urgent improvement of the conditions in which they work, which threaten health, safety and life itself”.

Regarding the demands presented to the administrations of FCC Environment Portugal, EMARP and Resinorte, the union points out “the general and significant increase in salary and all cash benefits for all workers”, increase in meal allowance, allocation of risk allowance, among other matters.

“It is in the hands of the administrations to initiate serious negotiations with the STAL and the workers, who are aware of the negative impact of this strike on the population, but which is, solely and exclusively, the responsibility of the company administrations”, emphasizes the STAL.

Regarding the strike in the municipality of Oeiras, in the district of Lisbon, the union says that it will take place from 00:00 to 06:00 on the 26th and 27th, demanding that workers be paid for night work and additional hazard pay and unhealthy work in the holiday pay of workers who they are entitled to it during the year and the fulfilment of the demands book delivered by STAL in April, among other matters.

In Lisbon City Council, the strike is scheduled for the 26th and 27th, and between the 25th and 31st the strike will cover overtime work.

The urgent hiring of more street cleaners and drivers and the acquisition of more operational vehicles are also demands from workers in the municipality of Lisbon.