Lisbon Faces Waste Crisis as Workers Strike for Better Conditions
Lisbon is dealing with a growing waste management crisis as workers in the city’s waste collection services strike for better working conditions. The strike, which began on Thursday and continues into Friday, is being led by the Municipal Workers Union of Lisbon (STML) and the Local Administration Workers Union (STAL).
The city is now grappling with piles of uncollected rubbish, a situation worsened by the busy holiday season, when waste levels typically increase. The strike has drawn criticism from residents, many of whom have taken to social media to accuse Mayor Carlos Moedas and his administration of failing to manage the issue properly.
In response, the Mayor’s office acknowledged the severity of the situation, with city officials noting that around 80% of workers participated in Thursday’s strike. Pedro Moutinho from Lisbon City Council explained that despite efforts to collect the waste, the accumulation has continued to outpace the city’s ability to clear it. To mitigate the problem, the council has placed 57 additional bins for organic and recyclable waste, but Moutinho described these measures as a “temporary fix” and urged residents not to leave unnecessary trash on the streets.
The unions’ demands include a full strike on December 26 and 27, an overtime ban between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, and a strike covering both regular and overtime work from 10 PM on January 1 to 6 AM on January 2.
The STML has criticized the council for not honoring commitments made in a June 2023 agreement, such as improvements to worker facilities and proper meal spaces. They also condemned the decision to outsource cleaning services to private companies, calling it unacceptable.
In response, Moutinho admitted that some demands have been delayed but assured that work is being done to address the issues. “None of these commitments have been forgotten or abandoned,” he said, emphasizing that the city is working towards fulfilling them.
