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SearchFCC Medio Ambiente staff began the stoppage after failing to reach an agreement to renew the collective agreement. The unions challenge minimum service levels of up to 94.81% during the Fiestas del Pilar; the City Council and the company defend their positions.
The indefinite strike in street cleaning, waste collection and recycling centers in Zaragoza began on October 6 at 9:00 p.m., after FCC Medio Ambiente staff and the company failed to reach an agreement to renew the collective agreement. The dispute comes on the eve of the Fiestas del Pilar, a period during which the City Council has set higher minimum service levels.
Workers gathered at the Multi-Purpose Hall on Wednesday morning, and the CCOO and CGT unions announced further demonstrations. Staff are demanding improvements to wages and working conditions, measures to promote work-life balance and equality, and changes to the conditions governing weekend contracts. They are also seeking to recover purchasing power, including in relation to price trends.
The City Council set coverage at 78.13% on weekdays and Saturdays, and 81.54% on Sundays and public holidays during the strike’s regular periods. During the special Fiestas del Pilar period, the figures rise to 94.46% from Monday to Saturday and 94.81% on Sundays. According to the published information, this special arrangement applies from October 10 to 19.
The City Council justifies the coverage on the grounds that the service is essential and for reasons of public health. The unions, on the other hand, argue that the percentages limit the ability to take part in the strike and reduce its visibility. Rubén Bailo, a member of the strike committee, said the minimum service levels were “abusive” and prevented the stoppage from being noticeable on the streets. The committee also criticized the short notice with which they were informed.
The sources also report union criticism regarding how many people could effectively exercise their right to strike on each shift. That figure is attributed to workers’ representatives and does not constitute an independent measurement.
Assessments of participation also differ. Rubén Bailo put support at “almost 80%” among workers who, according to him, could take part in the stoppage, although he specified that this represented a small proportion of the workforce because of the minimum service levels. The City Council’s delegate councillor for Mobility, José Miguel Rodrigo, estimated participation at around 5% during the first night and between 5% and 6% on Wednesday morning. These are statements by the parties involved, not the results of an independent count.
FCC rejects the unions’ arguments and maintains that staff conditions are competitive. The company says the working week is 34 hours and that wages increased by 11.63% between 2021 and 2024; it adds that its proposal for 2025–2027 would mean a further 9.4% increase. It also denies that it will receive an additional 10 million euros for providing the service: it says the increase in the municipal budget relates to outstanding items, including price reviews and depreciation. These figures and explanations reflect the company’s account.
The committee is calling on FCC to resume negotiations and maintains that the company’s proposal does not include sufficient progress. The strike will remain indefinite unless an agreement is reached. The dispute thus pits labor demands against the level of service coverage the City Council considers necessary, especially during the Pilar celebrations.
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