Refuse collectors in west France strike to wear shorts during summer
Internal cabin temperatures reached over 50C during spell of hot weather this week says union
A union representing workers says collectors should be able to wear shorts throughout the summer. Photo shows binmen in Paris working during a period of hot weather in 2023
Michael von Aichberger/Shutterstock
Refuse collectors in western France have filed an unlimited strike motion following a disagreement over working conditions during the current high temperatures.
The strike motion, filed by the CGT union in Niort (Deux-Sèvres) covers workers in several local government departments but mainly applies to rubbish collectors in the city.
Bin collectors say conditions need to be modified to allow them to work during periods of intense heat.
Temperatures across several parts of France soared this week, reaching 33C in Niort.
On Thursday (June 12) 39 refuse workers refused to undertake their rounds after their request to work in shorts was denied the day before.
It led to several bins remaining uncollected in the city.
Residents of certain areas of the city – listed here by national media FranceBleu – are being asked to bring their bins back inside for the moment until replacement collections can be scheduled.
“The wearing of personal protective equipment (trousers) is mandatory to protect employees under workplace safety regulations,” said local officials.
They also added that the “heatwave plan has not yet been activated,” in the area, which can affect certain workplace rules.
Those refusing to work will be sanctioned and not paid for the days they do not turn up, said local authorities.
Currently, the strikes are limited to Niort, but may spread if the strike is supported more widely by the CGT.
Temperatures above 50C when driving
For their part, refuse collectors are standing strong.
“We met with management who…believe we can only wear shorts if there is an alert from Météo France [state forecaster for official weather warnings including for heatwaves,” said CGT union member Mickaël Billy (quoted in local media La Nouvelle Répubilque).
“But we want a specific period, for example, from May 15 to September 15, during which we can work in shorts if we want,” he added.
The union argues that despite no heatwave warnings being in place, specific working conditions for refuse collectors are out of the norm and can be exacerbated in hot conditions.
A lack of air conditioning means that earlier this week, highs of 52C were recorded in the cabins of refuse vehicles, the union said.
Arguments over safety and hygiene are outdated, Mr Billy added, saying that new bins and trucks mean the risk of spillage is extremely low, especially onto a person’s legs.
