On Tuesday, May 14th in the morning, around 400 striking workers from the cleanliness and water department (DPE) of the City of Paris, which manages waste collection in half of the city’s districts, gathered in front of the human resources building on rue de Lobau (4th district). The CGT union, which represents the workers, had called for a strike to demand a one-time bonus of 1,900 euros for all garbage collectors, sewer workers, and truck drivers, as well as a 400 euro monthly increase in their function, subject, and expertise allowance. Despite discussions with the deputy mayor in charge of human resources, the parties were unable to reach an agreement, leading to the start of the three-day strike.
The strike was intended to coincide with the Paris Olympics in an effort to draw attention to the workers’ demands. The CGT union claimed that between 70-90% of workers in different districts were participating in the strike, while the City of Paris reported a 16% strike rate among the 5,000 garbage collectors. This was higher than the previous strike in April, which had a 6.3% participation rate. The workers are seeking recognition for the essential role they play in keeping the city clean, especially given the various challenges they face such as increased pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
In one particular garage supplying the city with drivers, 86% of the workers were on strike on Tuesday. The workers are dissatisfied with the modest wage increases they have received, with one driver mentioning that they only received a 120 euro raise, applicable from July, despite having worked for twenty-six years and having a current net salary of 2,500 euros including bonuses. They feel that their work has become more complex with the addition of bicycles and pedestrians to the roads, and they are seeking greater recognition for their efforts. The strike by these workers highlights their frustrations and the need for fair compensation for their demanding jobs.
The demands of the workers reflect longstanding grievances and frustrations over wage disparities and lack of recognition for the vital work they perform to keep the city clean. Despite efforts to negotiate with city officials, the workers felt compelled to go ahead with the strike to make their voices heard. The strike also aims to draw attention to the importance of their work, especially during high-profile events like the Paris Olympics. The workers are seeking not just financial compensation but also respect and recognition for the challenging and essential nature of their roles.
The strike by the DPE workers has drawn attention to the challenges faced by essential workers in various sectors, including waste management. The workers are leveraging their role in preparation for the Paris Olympics to demand fair compensation and recognition for their contributions. The strike has brought to light the issues faced by these workers and has sparked a debate about the need for proper compensation and appreciation for essential workers who play a crucial role in keeping the city functioning. The outcome of the strike will impact the negotiations between the workers and city officials, and could potentially lead to improved working conditions and remuneration for the workers in the future.
