Rubbish piling up in Mijas and Alhaurin el Grande as refuse collection strike drags on

SOME 270 tonnes of rubbish have built up on the streets of Mijas and Alhaurin el Grande as a strike by refuse collectors drags on.

The 127-strong Urbaser workforce started the strike action on June 26 to demand the rubbish collection and cleaning company improves working conditions, including a pay rise.

The workers are providing only 30 per cent of services on working days and 40 per cent on the weekend, although a full service for markets, school and health services.

Acting Mayor Juan Carlos Maldonado has called on both sides to resolve their differences as soon as possible, especially now the peak holiday season has begun.

The Popular Party candidate for the Mayor of Mijas, Angel Nozal, meanwhile met with representatives of the rubbish collection and cleaning service committee on Saturday morning to discuss their demands and to put forward solutions and short-term compromises in a bid to put an end to the protest.

As was clear from the sight of trash bags piled up around overflowing rubbish skips on the streets of Mijas and Alhaurin el Grande on Sunday, the two sides have yet to reach common ground.