Bin collectors kick up stink

RUBBISH collectors have returned to work after a four-day strike that saw waste piling up on the street of Paris.

Some areas were harder than others: only public sector workers took part and in two thirds of the city the rubbish collection is organised by private companies.

The Montorgueil boutique shopping area in the 2nd arrondissement was one of those affected. Restaurant owners were earlier this week complaining of the smell that was driving away customers from their terraces.

The CGT claims at least 80% of bin lorry drivers and 30% of cleaners refused to work. They protested for higher wages and against what they say are changes that have blocked their career paths.

The secretary general of the CGT cleaners union in Paris, Régis Viécély, said the workers had seen their pay rise just €35 in six years and wanted to be moved into a higher wage bracket that would earn them €70 more per month.

Talks on Thursday night ended in an agreement that will see rubbish collectors back doing their rounds from Friday.

Le 14eme est une poubelle géante depuis 3 jours ! @MairieParis14 @paris Nous avons #honte #greve #poubelles #Paris pic.twitter.com/9arAMkwAIB— Fleur, Lily et Maman (@fleurlilyleblog) October 7, 2015