English 
Spanish 
3 min read
21 comments
Unexpected crisis in garbage collection causes collectors' salaries to skyrocket in Brazilian city. Benefits such as health insurance and food credit reinforce the profession's value. Will the Brazilian market follow suit?
In times of economic challenges, a little-talked-about labor crisis has put Patos de Minas, in the interior of Minas Gerais, in the spotlight.
The garbage collection service, vital to public health, faced such severe shortages that entire neighborhoods began to suffer from the absence of an essential service.
This initially problematic situation ended up creating a unique opportunity for workers in the area: adjusted salaries, robust benefits and the recognition of an often neglected profession.
- How BRICS is challenging the West and changing the rules of the global economy with Brazil in the spotlight
- Cow gallstones are worth twice as much as gold! The new global agricultural craze is fetching up to US$5,8 per ounce and is shaking up traditional Chinese medicine
- Is this the end of the air conditioning era? Hong Kong researchers have developed a new air conditioning system that is 48% more efficient and will 'save' your electricity bill!
- Is the era of air conditioning over? A French startup presents a new climate control concept that promises to use 80% less energy than air conditioning!
Labor crisis drives change
Conserbras, the company responsible for garbage collection in the city, felt the impacts of the lack of labor to the point of compromising the regularity of the service.
The situation has reached alarming levels, forcing the municipal administration to demand an immediate solution to avoid greater public health problems.
To solve the problem, the company announced a significant increase in the pay of collectors, who now have a total gross income of R$3.045,34.
This amount is made up of a base salary of R$1.491,34 and additional benefits, including a daily credit of R$15 on the food card.
In addition, collectors will have free access to telemedicine and a health plan, available after the trial period.
According to Conserbras, these adjustments not only value workers, but also guarantee the stability and efficiency of an essential service for the city.
City Hall demands immediate solutions
The change did not happen by chance.
The city government of Patos de Minas, responsible for granting and supervising the Conserbras contract, pressured the company to adopt drastic measures in light of the situation.
Delayed garbage collection not only caused inconvenience, but also increased the risk of disease outbreaks in several neighborhoods.
With shortage of workers compromising the operation, Conserbras was forced to offer conditions that made the vacancy more attractive, aligning itself with the demands of the municipal administration and the needs of the population.
Open vacancies for street cleaner
For those interested in taking advantage of this opportunity, Conserbras is vacancies open for street cleaner.
Requirements include availability to work Monday through Saturday. Applications can be made directly via WhatsApp or phone (34) 9 9712-3934.
New hires will not only have higher salaries, but also a benefits structure that covers fundamental aspects, such as food and health.
The strategy seeks to attract more professionals and normalize collection throughout the city.
An example for the job market?
The situation in Patos de Minas raises a broader question: is Brazil adequately valuing essential professions?
The workforce crisis faced by Conserbras reflects a worrying trend: sectors that are fundamental to the functioning of cities, such as garbage collection, still suffer from low retention rates and lack of appreciation.
According to experts, the case of Patos de Minas can serve as an example for other regions.
The combination of better salaries and attractive benefits not only solves immediate problems, but also elevates the status of the profession.
The future of garbage collection in Brazil
Although the solution found by Conserbras worked as an emergency response, It raises important debates about the appreciation of workers throughout the country.
Professions that are often underestimated are now highlighted as essential pillars for the quality of life in cities.
Will other cities follow Patos de Minas’ example? Will wage and benefit increases become the standard to secure workers in critical areas?
Very low salary for the hard work they do, it should be at least 4.500 reais
They will continue without labor... the poor worker will expose himself to countless risks to earn 1400 bucks!?!?! He is unemployed and receives the family allowance, gas vouchers, this voucher, whatever else is worth it... It should be 3.400 clean... then it would rain workers and I bet they wouldn't even be absent... so as not to run the risk of losing their jobs...
Good afternoon, I worked for 13 years in a garbage collection company, our base salary was R$1.900, including meal vouchers, food vouchers, and 40% of the salary for unhealthiness, which is very little, working 6x1 in the sun, rain or cold. Our category is not recognized, not to mention that over these 13 years I left all very tired, with herniated discs, ankles with problems, shoulders that never stop hurting. It is a job that would have to retire after 15 years of service, at the most, because no one knows the pain we face on a daily basis. Many of us end up becoming addicted to pain medication, self-medicating because every day you wake up it is a different pain. The lack of labor also extends here in São Paulo, because when 5 old employees leave to fill this absence, they have to hire about 40, because of those 40, 5 or less remain, many quit in the first week. The work is very hard. Our government should look more at the garbage collectors, our service is very essential for the population. After we leave our health for the company what they do does not have the recognition of the employee if we become just numbers for the company without being able to perform the function of collector anymore they do not offer you a lighter position within the company they discard you outside, may GOD protect all the collector brothers from the dangers they face every day on the streets. I apologize for the outburst but it is the pure truth