The municipal waste management of the city of Vienna is currently facing enormous challenges as a municipal service provider – just like several other essential services in the city as well as across the whole Europe. They have highlighted that, in the context of the crisis, it is necessary to contribute to the maintenance of Services of General Interest, but also, not to disregard the protection of the 3,200 workers that they employ.
On the operational side, the indispensable activities of the core areas of waste collection and street cleaning are guaranteed and have been functioning perfectly. The activities in other areas, such as dung heaps, have been reduced to absolutely necessary minimum levels – for the protection of both employees and customers.
In terms of crisis-driven labour shortages, approximately 630 people are at home in “Corona Readiness” – the aim here is to save energy in order to eventually cope with any breakdowns in the near future, while around 140 employees were released because they belong to particularly risky groups (age, previous illnesses). Furthermore, apprentices were also released and about 140 members of their staff have switched to teleworking. Finally, for all other employees on duty, comprehensive measures have been constantly taken and are in accordance with the rules of conduct officially established by the competent authorities.
The entire handling of waste disposal within Vienna remains the responsibility of the 48er. The locations of the necessary treatment facilities – waste incineration plants, waste logistics center, landfill, etc. – are also still in operation. Our employees will be deployed as required, depending on their qualifications, where it is most urgently needed.
The 48er is extremely proud of the cohesion and commitment of its employees. Above all, the existing flexibility has a particularly positive effect in the current situation and proves to be extremely valuable for the organisation in the fulfilment of its tasks. The fact that Services of General Interest and thus the complete ability to act are under the responsibility of the municipal level – and not in the hands of the private sector – now proves the adequacy of public-ownership in the field and, consequently, the correctness of the management approach chosen by the City of Vienna.
Website: www.voewg.at/