Staff from the packaging collection service in the province of Albacete, on strike since Friday

As reported by the Provincial Delegation of Albacete in a press release, since the start of the conflict The Consortium has maintained an “active, responsible and committed” attitudeassuming impartial mediation between the parties with the aim of avoiding a strike and guaranteeing the continuity of an essential public service for the province.

During the negotiation processthe Consortium carried out this intermediation work “by all possible means”promoting dialogue and facilitating a transparent negotiation framework that would allow closer positions between the company and the workers, represented by CCOO.

This action is based, according to the provincial institution, on three principles: lto institutional neutrality promote understanding between the parties; the public responsibility to guarantee the continuity of a service that affects all municipalities in the province; and compliance with the legal and contractual framework, guaranteeing compliance with the specifications which govern the concession.

Thanks to this mediation, progress deemed “very relevant” was made, making it possible to unblock the negotiations and reach a balanced pre-agreement. This pre-agreement provided for a cumulative salary increase of 15.5% over four years. -with increases of 5.5% the first year, 3% the second, 3% the third and 4% the fourth-, the full maintenance of consolidated rights and the extension of own business days from seven to nine. All this within the framework of an agreement valid for four years, designed to ensure stability for both staff and the company.

However, when the agreement was practically concluded and ready to be signed, The company chose not to ratify it due to problems with the wording of the text. A decision which, according to the Consortium, has no relation to its actions and which prevented the conclusion of the agreement reached, ultimately leading to the call for a strike from January 2.

Given this scenario, the Provincial Environmental Consortium indicated that will ensure strict compliance with minimum servicesas well as compliance with all conditions included in the service allocation contract, with the aim of minimizing inconvenience for citizens. Likewise, it will continue to ensure that the company complies with the obligations assumed both in its offer and in the specifications, guaranteeing that the service is provided as normally as possible.

The Consortium deeply regrets the effects that this lack of agreement between the company and workers can have in the municipalities of the provinceespecially in times of high social and economic activity. Finally, the institution reiterates its desire to continue to be involved to facilitate understanding between the parties and calls for responsibility to preserve citizens’ confidence in a public service provided normally and efficiently.