A planned strike by refuse collection and street cleaning workers in Orihuela has been suspended after a meeting between union representatives and the council on Wednesday. The walkout had been scheduled for Friday but was called off following agreement to begin negotiations on a new collective contract, which expired in 2025.

The three main unions on the works committee – CCOO, UGT and CSIF – had previously said around 80% of staff backed strike action at a general assembly in January. They cited serious shortcomings in the service, including unpaid overtime, failure to apply agreed pay rises and the continued use of what they described as an outdated contract.

Unions also raised concerns over staffing levels, claiming more than 40 workers were let go after the summer without replacement. They said ageing refuse vehicles frequently break down, and alleged that mandatory medical checks were not carried out in 2025. The department’s insurance policy has reportedly not been renewed since 2023.

A negotiation timetable has now been agreed, with two further meetings planned in an effort to secure a deal. However, the Sintta union has distanced itself from the strike call, questioning the level of support and the legitimacy of the current works committee, despite sharing concerns about the service.