The workers of the Tenerife tram They will carry out mobilizations without ruling out going on strike again “if the process to eliminate respirable crystalline silica dust (RCS), a carcinogenic product, from the braking system is not truly started.” This was established in the agreement to end the strike, which began on February 7, signed on June 26. Four months later, the Works Council understands that it has not been fulfilled and “seven colleagues already have health problems in their lungs related to this material although they refuse to recognize the occupational disease.” Metrotenerife states that “the safety and health of workers has always been a priority.” In addition, it guarantees “compliance with occupational risk legislation and regulations, which extend to tram users.” They emphasize that “there is no danger” for these as the representation of the social part hinted yesterday when they are exposed to dust.
Luis Marrero, president of the Committee, and Jonay Acosta, prevention delegate, together with Juan Miguel Suárez (CCOO) appeared at a press conference. They ask the president of the Cabildo for an appointment, Rosa Davilaand the mediation of the National Institute of Health and Hygiene to reach a solution that includes the evaluation of all jobs (the workforce is made up of 202 people) “which has not even started”
The company argues that “the relationship made between the presence of silica sand dust and workers’ conditions is not supported by the medical assessments of entities specializing in occupational health.” These, they indicate. “They are the only ones competent to declare an occupational disease.” The company assessed: “Trains and trams that operate in the world use this material to drive and brake vehicles.” The workers remembered the precedent of the Bilbao Metro, which in 2021 changed its substance.
Metrotenerife stressed: “The Board of Directors has already approved the contracting of the manufacturer, Alstom, for a study (for 168.00 euros) to determine the material that can replace silica sand.”
