Antoine, garbage collector in Paris.

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D. Bancaud / 20minutes

  • Since the start of the epidemic in March, the coronavirus has abruptly halted the activity of entire sectors of the economy and upset the image of certain professions.

  • The garbage collectors were congratulated during the first confinement, being recognized as "essential workers", "everyday heroes".

  • This recognition benefited Antoine, a Parisian garbage collector.

    But he feels he has been pushed aside afterwards, and feels that his working conditions have not improved.

"It was useless to applaud us during the first confinement if it was to forget us then", storm Antoine *, garbage collector in Paris.

However, his anger could have been dampened by fatigue.

Because that day like any other, Antoine got up at 5 a.m. to sweep and clean the sidewalks of the capital for more than seven hours.

But it is not.

The gestures of this fifty-something are lively.

His eyes flash at times and his voice trembles with emotion.

However, at the start of the coronavirus crisis, his profession, usually criticized, was viewed differently.

Instead of being brandished by parents as a threat to the future when they want their children to do well in school, it was called an “indispensable profession” in the media.

The garbage collectors were described as "first of duty".

“Everyday heroes”, courageous and working for the common good by defying the health risk.

“We were talking about us for once, that was changing.

Because usually, we are treated as lazy, just because we are a civil servant, ”comments Antoine.

"People brought us cakes for our breaks"

During this period, even the attitude of the residents changed: “They came to talk to us, to greet us.

Young and old, who knew that we were taking risks for our health while working.

People brought us cakes for our breaks.

Even if we do not work to collect "thanks", it was heartwarming, "says the man who previously worked in the restaurant business.

Some of his colleagues who collect the waste were even entitled to applause, others to little words taped on the bins.

Recognition of the field work which was even manifested by a bonus of 35 euros net per day awarded to garbage collectors who worked during the period of confinement.

"But I was not fooled, I suspected that it would not last", tempers Antoine.

Because as soon as the [first] confinement is lifted, sweet talk is over.

Incivility in the street has resumed with more vigor.

And some Parisians have started throwing their cigarette ends or their garbage on the sidewalk again, without looking at the man in green clothes.

And sometimes even in front of him.

“On May 11 [date of the first deconfinement], in three hours, I had already picked up 30 masks.

Who were possibly infected… No lull in the renewal of defilements in the streets!

People don't give a damn about us anymore.

They wouldn't think of disgusting at home, so why are they doing it outside?

He wonders.

And as it passed, some residents moved away again, as they did before: “It's as if I was dirty myself.

While I'm just picking up the garbage, I'm not, ”he laughs yellow.

"I chose this profession, even if it is physically hard"

In the second confinement, Antoine went down one floor again: “This time, we are not entitled to a bonus.

No doubt because there are more of us working in the field.

But the coronavirus has not become less dangerous for all that, ”he is offended.

Moreover, in recent weeks, Antoine has been spending his time reassuring his teenage son, who fears for his father's safety.

“I tell him that I am well protected.

Even if I see a relaxation of barrier gestures, ”he confides.

And his working conditions have not changed: “We always have more work and there are fewer of us doing it.

With the proliferation of cycle paths and the expansion of sidewalks, the number of surfaces to be cleaned has increased significantly in recent years.

With seventeen years of seniority, I earn 1,600 net per month, and the index point used to calculate my remuneration has been frozen for years, ”he underlines.

And like his colleagues who recently went on strike, he fears the consequences of the law on the transformation of the civil service, which should come into force in Paris in 2021. "We are going to lose days off and RTT", is alarmed he.

In the longer term, he also fears a privatization of the city's cleaning services.

A perspective to which this son of a worker, attached to the notion of public service, cannot be resolved.

“I have the value of work pegged to the body.

I chose this profession, even if it is physically hard.

Public health is important.

It contributes to the well-being of the inhabitants.

It is time for the whole of society to understand this "

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* The first name has been changed.

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  • Covid 19

  • Confinement

  • Coronavirus

  • Trash can

  • Society

  • Employment

  • Job