The Sevillian town of Las Cabezas de San Juan has not had rubbish collection since July 1, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees. Workers from the FCC company are demanding improvements in salaries and working conditions.
Las Cabezas de San Juan has accumulated tonnes of rubbish in its streets since July 1 due to a strike by workers from the FCC company, responsible for the collection service. The situation is exacerbated by temperatures that have exceeded 40 degrees in recent days, which has increased foul odours and health risks.
A Stalemated Conflict
The town's mayor, Pepe Solano (IU), has described the situation as "dramatic" and explained that the strike is in response to the salary and working condition demands of the staff. Solano has recalled that the service was privatised by the previous local PSOE government, and that since the start of the conflict "employees have not been complying with the stipulated minimum services."
The City Council has approved a proposal in a government meeting to apply penalties for breach of contract to the FCC company, while attempting to mediate between the parties. "The only thing we can do is mediate," the mayor insisted.
Health Inspection and Emergency Plan
In light of the risk of diseases, the City Council urgently requested a health inspection from the Health Delegation of the Junta de Andalucía, which has already taken place. "Now we need to implement an emergency plan to reduce the risk of harm to humans," Solano warned. The minimum services activated include two vehicles to empty containers and municipal staff to clean the public roads.
The City Council has published a decree with measures for residents. Citizens are asked for "cooperation and responsibility", and hospitality establishments are reminded to keep the area of their outdoor seating clean and to provide bins. Additionally, the Clean Point and the collection of bulky items are temporarily suspended, so residents are requested not to leave furniture or appliances on the streets.
Days and Times for Rubbish Collection
To minimise the impact, the City Council has established that residents should only deposit household waste in the containers on the nights of Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. On other days, rubbish should not be put out. "Respect and support for the workers in exercising their rights is reiterated," states the decree.
The City Council is calling on the company and the staff representatives to resume dialogue and reach an agreement "for the benefit of the workers, the citizens, and the general interest of the municipality." Meanwhile, the residents of Las Cabezas de San Juan, around 16,500 inhabitants, endure a week of heat, foul smells, and mountains of rubbish bags in the corners.
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