Tomorrow, Friday 17 October, the environmental hygiene sector will fold its arms. The national strike, called by FP Cgil, Fit Cisl, Uiltrasporti and Fiadel, will involve both public and private companies and could put waste collection, street cleaning and the opening of collection centers across the country at risk.
Behind the protest there are profound reasons for the unions that can no longer be postponed: the national contract expired almost a year ago and the workers are asking for more protection, security and wage justice.
Ours is the sector with the highest number of accidents, often fatal, among local public services – the unions report. We ask for concrete tools for prevention, a fairer classification of personnel, equal treatment between generations and genders, and a real recovery of purchasing power eroded by inflation.
In practice, the workers who deal with waste management and cleaning our cities every day are asking for dignified and safe working conditions – and the renewal of a contract that recognizes the new professionalism of a sector that is now central to the ecological transition.
Where disruptions are expected
The strike will affect the entire national territory and may provoke inconveniences in the main urban centers.
TO Milan, Amsa (Milan environmental services company) has communicated that “there may be disruptions in waste collection, cleaning and sweeping, as well as in the opening of recycling centers and ecological platformsHowever, essential services will be guaranteed and any inconveniences “will be made up for as quickly as possible”.
Also to Rome, Ama Spa has activated the procedures to ensure the minimum essential services, such as the collection and transport of hazardous waste and waste from sensitive users (hospitals, schools, healthcare facilities).
TO Naples, Asia has reported that “street collection, door-to-door, sweeping and the opening of ecological areas may not be fully guaranteed”.
What to expect
During the strike day, there may be delays in collection and urban cleaning, but the companies have ensured compliance with the rules essential public services, as required by current legislation. Suspended or reduced services should be recovered in the following days.
Meanwhile, the strike on 17 October brings attention back to a sector that is fundamental for the quality of life and sustainability of cities, but often underrated and lacking in recognition. Environmental hygiene operators ask not only for better economic conditions, but also for respect minimum safety standards, continuous training and a system of protections that reflects the importance of their role in the ecological transition.
What can we citizens do?
During the October 17 strike, it matters collaborate and adopt responsible behavior to minimize inconvenience and environmental impact.
-
Avoid displaying waste on strike days and times, especially in urban centres: it could remain on the streets longer than expected
-
Reduce waste production
-
If possible, postpone the delivery to the collection centers until the service is restored
Sources: Fp CGIL / AMSA Milan / Ama Rome / ASIA Naples
