Workers Refuse Asbestos Handling Without Protocols
Employees of the municipal water company Cicle de l'Aigua del Ter (CATSA), which serves Girona, Salt, and Sarrià de Ter, have stated they will not continue working with asbestos pipes until adequate safety measures are guaranteed. This stance could result in delays for repairs and potential cuts to the drinking water supply across the three municipalities.
The company committee and prevention delegates issued a statement warning residents of possible service disruptions and criticising the lack of staff and safety protocols.
Workers' representatives claim that nearly three years after CATSA's formation, there is still no approved asbestos work plan, nor the necessary protocols, equipment, or training for handling the material. They highlighted that asbestos remains present in parts of the water networks, and its manipulation, cutting, removal, transport, and storage require strict safety measures.
"We are not willing to put our health or our lives at risk to resolve a breakdown without the necessary safety guarantees," the committee stated.
Consequently, the workforce will not handle asbestos-containing materials until the company implements approved plans and protocols, provides suitable protective equipment, and offers specific training. Workers insist that "no breakdown, however urgent, can justify exposing people to a serious health risk."
Staff Shortages Exacerbate Incidents
The situation is compounded by a structural shortage of staff, which the committee says has hindered normal service operations for years. Representatives explained that several months ago, they began enforcing mandatory rest periods, specifically the twelve-hour break between shifts and the legally established weekly rest.
This decision has highlighted staffing deficiencies. According to the statement, "some breakdowns could not be repaired as quickly as usual, and water leaks persisted for longer than desirable." This occurs because on-call operators, after intervening outside their regular hours, must then observe their rest periods, reducing personnel availability for subsequent shifts. The committee also claims that absences and holidays are not adequately covered, and teams are not reinforced when needed. "With insufficient staff, and without covering absences or holidays, or reinforcing teams when necessary, guaranteeing service continuity becomes increasingly difficult," the statement warned.
Warning of Possible Service Interruptions
Workers' representatives stressed that while the on-call service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, this does not mean operators should be permanently available. "We are people, we need to rest, and we have rights that must be respected," they asserted. They acknowledged that this situation might lead to "leaks taking longer to repair or supply interruptions." However, they expressed regret for any inconvenience caused to residents and affirmed their desire for normal service operation.
To resolve the issue, the committee demands that CATSA reinforce its workforce, cover absences, respect labour rest periods, and approve asbestos work protocols. They also call for ensuring a safe and efficient service without transferring the consequences of resource shortages to employees. "Our health is not negotiable. Safety is not optional. And public service needs resources to function as citizens deserve," the workers' representatives concluded.
Reported by diaridegirona.cat, Diari de Girona.
