https://www-laestrella-com-pa.translate.goog/nacional/220420/trabajadores-aguaseo-huelga-suspenden-recoleccion-basura-colon?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc

As of 8:00 am on April 21, the members of the Workers’ Union of the Aguaseo Company (Sitraseo) affiliated with the Confederation of Workers Trade Union Convergence, report that if an agreement is not reached with the company Aguaseo SA, they take part in a strike and will suspend waste collection in the city of Colón, they reported through a press release this Wednesday.

The strike declaration occurs within the framework of the negotiation of a statement for violation of labor legislation and the negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement.

Sitraseo demands a salary increase from 7% to 12% in 5 years; proposal that is rejected by the company at this time.

Luis Mitré, secretary general of Sitraseo, warned that for many years the rights of workers have been violated by the company. “It is not now because of a pandemic, it has been 17 years since the company has existed and it has never improved the salary of workers,” he said through David Pérez Latina 95.

For his part, Aníbal Vallarino, representative of the company, clarified that due to the current situation of the company, they cannot meet the union’s demand.

He highlighted that there is a residential delinquency of more than $20 million, which increased by 30% with the pandemic and to which a 58% rise in logistics prices has been added. “Double what it cost last year,” he said.

And he added: “The company is in conditions of an immediate increase of 2% annually and up to 5% in 4 years and they are offered a percentage in any increase in the rate if authorized by the Municipal Council.”

Aguaseo, SA through a statement confirmed that if the strike takes place, Sitraseo stated that only 30% of the workforce will work, but as a company they do not agree, since they require 100% of the workers for the collection in the communities, which would be left without the service.

“As a company, we are carrying out the best negotiation for the good of the workers and the community, because we know that the economic situation is difficult for everyone,” the company said.