Lisbon's Santa Maria Maior Junta Raises Alarm Over Urban Hygiene Workers' Strike

Concerns Over Urban Hygiene Strike in Lisbon

The Santa Maria Maior Parish Council in Lisbon has expressed its worries regarding the upcoming strike of urban hygiene workers, which has led to an accumulation of waste on the streets. The council holds the municipal government accountable for this situation.

Miguel Coelho, the council president from the Socialist Party (PS), stated, "While it's not our place to judge the legitimacy of the announced strike, we must recognize that it is fueled by the arrogant approach of the municipal government towards urban hygiene issues, failing to ensure daily waste collection."

In a formal statement, the council acknowledged the dissatisfaction of the urban hygiene workers and emphasized that the right to strike is fundamental.

Details of the Strike

The general strike is scheduled for December 26 and 27, along with a strike against overtime work from December 25 to 31. Additionally, there will be a night strike on New Year's Eve, affecting operations from 10 PM on January 1 to 6 AM on January 2.

The DGAEP (General Directorate of Public Administration and Employment) has mandated minimum services for the strike, allowing for 71 daily waste collection routes involving 167 workers, which the unions argue represents only one-third of normal operations.

The STML (Lisbon Municipality Workers' Union) and STAL (National Union of Local Administration Workers) have contested this ruling, claiming it imposes maximum minimum services and restricts workers' rights. They have filed a legal challenge to overturn or reduce these minimum service requirements.

Implications of the Strike

The Santa Maria Maior council highlighted that the strike could lead to nine days without waste collection in the city, a concern echoed by Carlos Moedas, the Mayor of Lisbon. They warned of the potential public health risks due to increased waste accumulation in public areas.

The council criticized the municipal government for failing to meet its waste management responsibilities and for attempting to replace local tasks with private company contracts without consulting the parish councils or unions.

To alleviate the situation, the parish council has requested the municipal government to deploy additional waste bins in various locations, including Praça do Martim Moniz and Praça do Comércio. Residents and visitors are advised to follow municipal guidelines during the strike and avoid placing non-polluting waste on the streets to prioritize organic waste disposal.

The Santa Maria Maior council will also work to address the most pressing health and safety concerns within its logistical capabilities.