Sagrada Família workers go on strike to denounce 'extreme' working and weather conditions

Subcontracted visitor service workers at the Sagrada Família have called a strike this Wednesday to denounce the “extreme” working and weather conditions.

These are employees of the subcontracted company Audioguiarte SL, organized in the SUT union.

In a statement, they have denounced “overexploitation” through 11-hour days without being able to sit down. This causes some workers to “periodically” require medical care due to heatstroke, dizziness, and dehydration, the statement adds.

The Sagrada Família says that the health and safety of its own and external staff is being looked after and that measures have been taken in accordance with the occupational risk prevention service.

They also said that the strike day will be held without a “significant impact.”

The SUT Union says that the Sagrada Família must ensure there are the “necessary means” to guarantee the safety of all workers, including ensuring that subcontracted companies comply with risk prevention measures.

The union alleges that the workers ensure abuses by the employer during the peak summer days, when work accidents increase by 17% during heatwaves.

The workers demand personal protective equipment suitable for the heat, additional parasols and awnings in exposed positions, clothing suitable for the heat, more powerful hand fans and approved sunglasses.

They also want their workplace to be fitted with stools and adequate air conditioning in the interior of the nave and the museum.

In addition, they call for reinforcement in different positions, easy access to water, rotation every 30 minutes of the day, and a paid break at lunchtime.

For its part, the Sagrada Família says they “adapt facilities to the needs of each time of the year."