Workers of the waste collection service in Madrid have initiated an indefinite strike beginning Monday, April 21, 2025, at 23:00 hours. This strike, organized by the unions CC OO, UGT, and Sector Profesional RSU Madrid, aims to demand changes in the collective agreement that would provide greater job stability and improved salary conditions for the approximately 1,800 workers affected.
The Madrid City Council has responded to the strike by establishing minimum services set at 50%. This means that household waste collection, which includes waste in orange, brown, and yellow lid bins, will occur every other day, depending on the district. The collection schedule has been organized into alternating days to ensure that hygiene standards are maintained throughout the city.
Specifically, the collection will take place on the following dates: on Tuesday, April 22, Thursday, April 24, Saturday, April 26, and Monday, April 28, in the districts of Centro, Arganzuela, Salamanca, Chamartín, Fuencarral-El Pardo, Chamberí, Moncloa-Aravaca, Carabanchel, Usera, Ciudad Lineal, Vicálvaro, and San Blas-Canillejas. Meanwhile, the districts of Retiro, Tetuán, Latina, Puente de Vallecas, Moratalaz, Hortaleza, Villaverde, Villa de Vallecas, and Barajas will have their waste collected on Wednesday, April 23, Friday, April 25, and Sunday, April 27.
For essential services, including clinical waste from hospitals, schools, nurseries, special residences, and markets, the City Council has mandated that collection services will remain at 100%. This ensures that these critical areas maintain their usual waste management services, safeguarding public health and hygiene.
The strike comes amidst ongoing negotiations between the unions and the subcontracted companies responsible for waste collection, including FCC, Valoriza, Acciona, OHL, Prezero, and Urbaser. The collective agreement, which governs the working conditions and wages of these employees, expired four months ago, on December 31, 2024.
Pedro Morán, a representative from CC OO, highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, "The companies want to cut rights and show no willingness to negotiate." He pointed out that many workers have been on temporary contracts for up to 15 years, which has created a sense of instability and insecurity among the workforce.
In addition to job stability, the workers are advocating for better pay, especially in light of rising living costs. The unions initially sought a 5% salary increase but have since indicated a willingness to lower their demands to a 4% increase. However, they are adamant that anything less would be unacceptable.
The companies have proposed freezing salaries for 2025 and implementing minimal increases of 1% in 2026 and up to 2% in 2027. This has been met with significant resistance from the workers, who argue that these proposals do not adequately address the rising costs of living driven by inflation.
In a statement, the City Council expressed its hope that the unions and companies would reach an agreement soon, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a good service and a fair collective agreement. The council has urged residents to comply with the established waste collection schedule and not to place their bins out on nights before scheduled pickups.
As the strike unfolds, the City Council is working to ensure that the minimum services are upheld to prevent any significant public health issues. They have reiterated that while they are not directly involved in the negotiations, they are monitoring the situation closely and encouraging dialogue between both parties.
In light of the ongoing negotiations and the potential for a prolonged strike, residents are being asked to cooperate by adhering to the collection schedule and only placing their waste out on the designated days. The City Council has also reassured the public that services related to paper, cardboard, and glass collection will not be affected by the strike, allowing these services to continue as normal.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the negotiations between the unions and the companies to see if an agreement can be reached that satisfies both parties and prevents further disruption to waste collection services in Madrid.
