Workers responsible for Lanzarote's recycling collection service have formally called an indefinite strike from 13th October following a long-running dispute over working conditions.
The strike will begin just after 12:00am and affect the entire workforce at Urbaser's selective waste collection centre, which handles recyclable waste including glass, packaging and paper and cardboard.
Workers unanimously back strike
The formal strike notice has been registered with the Canary Islands Government's Directorate General of Labour after workers unanimously backed industrial action.
CCOO says the dispute follows months of unsuccessful negotiations with Urbaser over a new collective agreement and a series of alleged breaches relating to working conditions and health and safety.
Among the issues raised are vehicle and equipment maintenance, minimum rest periods between shifts, working on public holidays, unpaid night hours, work clothing and medical examinations.
The union also says salary conditions have remained frozen since the end of 2024.
Cabildo urged to intervene
CCOO has called on the Lanzarote Cabildo, which is responsible for the public service, to intervene in the dispute.
Cabildo president Oswaldo Betancort has said the authority will ensure the terms of the service contract are fulfilled, and that waste collection for Lanzarote residents is guaranteed.
Urbaser has so far declined to comment publicly on the strike announcement.
Negotiations can continue before 13th October, with the union saying it remains willing to reach an agreement that would prevent the indefinite action from going ahead.
If no agreement is reached, the dispute could affect recycling collections across Lanzarote from next month.
