The union issued a statement warning about the publication of the tender for the urban solid waste collection service in the municipality of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, currently outsourced by the City Council. According to UGT, the economic forecast established is “clearly insufficient” and does not align with the reality of the service or the needs of the staff.
“"From UGT, we believe that the tender starts from a clearly insufficient, low-ball economic forecast that does not respond to the reality of the service or the needs of the workers."
The tender contract, valued at 146,672,133.44 euros for a period of eight years, allocates approximately 8.76 million euros annually to personnel costs, totaling around 70 million euros over the entire contract duration. However, UGT argues that the underlying economic studies do not adequately consider crucial aspects such as salary equalization, improved working conditions, or the quality of the service provided.
“"Currently, workers of concessionary companies continue to perform the same work as municipal staff, but with lower salaries and conditions. This situation is unacceptable and violates a basic principle of social justice: equal pay for equal work."
The union regrets that the new tender has missed an opportunity to correct these historical inequalities. Instead, it warns that the current proposal could consolidate a model based on precarious employment and cost reduction at the expense of workers' rights.
Therefore, UGT has urged the governing group of the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria City Council to reconsider the economic approach of the tender. They demand an upward revision of the budget to guarantee decent wages, the inclusion of real salary equalization mechanisms, improved working conditions, and the assurance of a quality public service based on dignified employment.
“"One cannot demand that the private sector improve salaries while the administration itself promotes tenders that limit that possibility from their origin."
