Street cleaners protest for better protections against heatwave in Barcelona
- Street cleaners and citizens marched in Barcelona following the death of a colleague due to extreme heat.
- Workers demand better protections, including more frequent breaks and better summer clothing.
- Powerful labor unions are pushing for greater regulations to safeguard an aging workforce from excessive heat.
In Barcelona, Spain, the alarming rise of summer heat has prompted numerous protests from street cleaners demanding better working conditions. Following the tragic death of Montse Aguilar, a 51-year-old street cleaner who succumbed to extreme temperatures, fellow workers and community members marched to voice their concerns. This event occurred during a June heatwave where the city recorded unprecedented temperatures, leading to a distressing spike in heat-related illnesses among workers. Fellow street sweeper Antonia Rodríguez articulated the growing unbearable nature of work as the summers worsen, emphasizing a need for immediate changes in regulations and practices during such extreme conditions. Currently, when temperatures reach 34 °C (93 °F), street cleaners are mandated to take hourly water breaks, and routes are designed to include time spent in shaded areas. However, the company that employs these workers, FCC Medio Ambiente, has been criticized for inadequate responses to employees' needs, refusing to offer additional support or commentary addressing the concerns raised at the protests. In the wake of these events, broader movements led by European labor unions are actively seeking to establish stricter regulations for outdoor workers exposed to the relentless summer heat. They advocate for mandatory protective measures similar to those in Greece, where regulations include compulsory breaks for outdoor labor. This ongoing activism points towards a collective recognition of the dangers posed by climate change on labor, especially for aging workforces who face relentless heat exposure in the summer months. Additionally, the increase in worker complaints indicates a pressing need for action beyond mere suggestions provided to employers, as many workers are left to navigate their own strategies for surviving work in extreme conditions. As heatwaves intensify and become increasingly frequent, workers continue to grapple with health risks, loud demands for change, and the need for comprehensive policies that prioritize safety and well-being in the workplace.