Overview

• The indefinite garbage collection strike in Madrid began on April 21 after unions and concessionary companies failed to agree on a unified collective bargaining agreement.
• A preagreement offering a 4% annual salary increase and other benefits was reached on April 22 but was rejected by 79% of workers in a referendum later that day.
• City-imposed minimum service levels of 50% for residential waste and 100% for clinical and market waste have not been fully met, prompting warnings of sanctions from the city council.
• Negotiations resumed on April 23 at the Palacio de Cibeles as the city seeks to mediate between unions and companies to prevent further disruptions and public health risks.
• Workers demand improved wages, standardized labor conditions, and greater job stability, citing a 12% erosion in real wages due to inflation.