Binmen launch France-wide strike

A DEMONSTRATION at the foot of the Eiffel Tower this morning signalled the start of a four-day rolling strike of refuse workers and municipal cleaners that is set to sweep the whole of France.

The General Confederation of Labour (CGT) has called on its 35,000 refuse collecters, street sweepers, drivers and sorting operatives to strike in protest at unhealthy working conditions.

The union has demanded early retirement privileges up between five and 10 years depending on a worker’s exposure to unhealthy material, a reduction in working hours to reduce exposure and a salary increase.

Baptiste Talbot, secretary of the public services arm of the CGT said in a statement: “Everyone agrees that these trades are difficult and unrewarding, but they are essential to the well-being of everyone.

“These workers are there daily to ensure that the 372kg of waste generated by every inhabitant of our country every year is collected and treated.

“This job is detrimental to the health of our members. Many suffer musculoskeletal disorders; respiratory disorders; infectious diseases, such as hepatitis or scabies; and some have lost limbs or their lives in accidents.”

The CGT said a study has found that industry workers have a life expectancy that is, on average, five-and-a-half years less than office workers and executives.