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They were everyday heroes during Covid, but garbage collectors are now experiencing a change in atmosphere. Attacks against them are increasing, particularly because their dump trucks are disruptive. Incivility sometimes gives rise to violence.
Garbage collectors are on the front line facing motorists unable to wait. Overtaking on the sidewalk or in the wrong direction despite any carelessness, windows smashed by exasperated drivers, garbage collectors face multiple attacks. In Bordeaux (Gironde)in the narrow streets, it is impossible to overtake, some people start to complain. That day, noaggression, but this has become rare.
Physical violence
A few weeks ago, a garbage collector was almost hit by a driver. “Some people tend to come up with this famous phrase: But me I work. While we are does exactly the same thing.”deplores one of them. Sometimes this escalates into verbal or physical violence. In Yvelines, a garbage collector was even targeted by gunfire. A former garbage collector was discharged after being beaten four years ago.