Chaos in Budapest: Garbage collectors strike, waste collection halted
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On Wednesday morning, waste collection in several districts of Budapest came to a halt, coinciding with a partial taxi strike in the city. The stoppage has caused significant disruption, leaving residents frustrated.
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Why did garbage collection stop?
According to Blikk, workers at the Rákospalota incinerator, the Ecseri Road site, and the District II depot initiated a work stoppage. Employees cited multiple issues, including shortages of hygiene kits, work clothes, boots, and spare parts for refuse lorries. Some workers claimed that decommissioned vehicles were being put back into service with only minimal repairs, and during the summer, some lorries with broken air conditioning had to be used.
The strike reportedly began during a morning staff meeting, where management outlined measures they had taken for employees. Dissatisfied workers listed the equipment shortages and decided not to report for duty. They are demanding fair wages, reduced overtime, and a more reasonable distribution of bulky waste collection tasks.
Truck driver Károly Király emphasised: “The vehicles are in critically poor condition, with some not serviced for over a year. Even minor issues, such as a burnt-out light, pose problems due to a lack of spare parts.” Loader Zsolt Tóth-Ádám added: “We are expected to work 12-hour shifts, but we just want a decent salary to support our families.”
Delays in bulk and green waste collection
The Óbuda-Békásmegyer local government stated that bulk waste collection had been disrupted. Of the nine refuse lorries assigned to the district, only one arrived in the morning before leaving, citing the strike. Officials described MOHU’s handling of the situation as “shocking and irresponsible”, noting that they received no prior or current notifications to inform residents.
Who is responsible?
It is important to note that waste collection in Budapest is managed by the state-owned company MOHU, not the city government. The municipality is monitoring the situation, but specific questions should be directed to MOHU representatives.