Ecuadorian Assembly approves report on Cuenca cleaning workers

The National Assembly of Ecuador has approved a report from the Labor Rights and Social Security Commission regarding the working conditions of street cleaners in Cuenca, known as ‘hormiguitas chúas’. The report, passed with 85 votes, alleges that the Municipal Public Cleaning Company of Cuenca (EMAC EP) engaged in illegal labor outsourcing by hiring private companies to perform street sweeping, sidewalk cleaning, and park maintenance.

The investigation, led by Assemblyman Ecknner Recalde, identified potential violations of constitutional provisions and Mandate No. 8. Key findings include reports of unpaid wages, failure to make social security contributions to the IESS, and precarious working conditions, such as workers using inadequate protective gear. Legislators also raised concerns regarding the transparency of contract awards and the lack of job stability for workers who face contract uncertainty every two years.

The report includes recommendations for state institutions to investigate these findings to determine if there are administrative, civil, or criminal responsibilities related to these labor practices and contract adjudications.