The City Council of Girona and the municipal brigades' union have reached this Friday at noon a pre-agreement to try to close the labor conflict that has marked the last weeks in the city. The negotiation comes after days of mobilizations and the staff's refusal to work overtime during the Temps de Flors event.
A principle of understanding pending signature
The understanding between the parties is not yet definitive. From the union sphere it is specified that no document has yet been signed, so the conflict cannot be considered closed until the agreement is formalized and validated.
At this Friday's meeting, the main points that had blocked the negotiation were addressed. On the table were the availability agreement, overtime hours, and several economic commitments that remained pending.
The origin of the conflict in the brigades
The protests of the municipal brigades started on April 16, after the council introduced last-minute changes in a proposed agreement. From then on, the staff began daily mobilizations and refused to take on extraordinary services, a decision with special impact in full preparation for Temps de Flors.
The mayor of Girona, Lluc Salellas, has committed to explaining this very Friday the content of the agreement reached to all workers. That step is considered key to measuring internal support for the pre-agreement before the following procedures.
The municipal plenary must endorse the pact
The agreement will also need the validation of the municipal plenary, presumably in an extraordinary session during the month of May. Until then, the scenario remains open awaiting the pre-agreement to materialize and receive institutional approval.
Another open front with Girona+Neta
While the brigade conflict is being resolved, the City Council maintains another focus of labor tension in the city. The staff of the cleaning and waste collection company Girona+Neta has called an indefinite strike starting May 4 due to the lack of progress in the negotiation of their new collective agreement.
From the council, it is highlighted that Girona+Neta is a private company and mediation has been offered through the Bar Association. Girona thus faces the coming days with a principle of agreement in a municipal conflict still pending formalization and with the threat of a new strike in an essential service.