Angry rubbish collectors warn of August strikes

Just as the Balearics breathed a deep sigh of relief with news of the hostelry sector strike being called off, the air may not appear as fresh as it would seem. Palma is facing a very real threat of a refuse collection strike unless a deal can be reached at the final round of talks on July 17. Environmental department workers at EMAYA, the municipal water and sewage board are demanding better working conditions. Yesterday over 200 angry workers marched on City Hall and handed over a letter calling for the Mayor, Joan Fageda, to step into the dispute and help find a solution. EMAYA president, Maria Crespo, whose resignation was called for by protesters, said “nobody wants a strike and we must continue negotiations, I'm the first to be interested in reaching a solution.” “A rubbish strike is the last thing the residents want and is neither very pleasing.” But PSIB-PSOE socialist city councillor, Rosa Marques warned that the strike threat is very real. She explained that the size of the work force has not been increased over the past ten years, despite the rapid expansion in the size of the population of Palma and increase in work load. She also said poor management is also adding to anger in the work force. A rubbish collection strike next month, at the height of the season will be the last thing Palma and Majorca needs right now. A recent refuse collection strike in Malaga led to civil unrest with residents torching waste bins and containers at night to get rid of the smell and ward of rodents.