As garis-vassoureiras: trabalho noturno em ambiente urbano do Centro Histórico de Manaus

Abstract

With the population increase occurred in Manaus, also increased the demand for urban infrastructure, affecting the organization of space and bringing with it socio-environmental problems that materialize in public spaces such as streets and squares, including those located in the Historic Center of Manaus (CHM), in which solid waste is an integral /accessory part of the landscape. The research aimed to characterize the work of Garis-vassoureiras women who are daily in public cleaning and solid waste collection service, at night in the CHM, in the work territory located between Matrix Square and police square. This is a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory research, supported by documentary and field research. The garis-vassoureiras are women from fragile social contexts, where family and financial issues have been evidenced due to their low schooling and who have found financial stability in the sweeping of streets and squares, even if they have not completed their studies, but who daily face uncertainties regarding their labor rights. In addition, the category adopts distinct denominations for men and women, the functions performed by both also differ and directly affect their monthly earnings. The issue of solid waste produced in the CHM is intensified by the actions of homeless people and informal waste pickers of recyclable materials, as well as by public waste dumps that do not contain the amount of waste generated by the population, harming the work of garis-vassoureiras and causing environmental problems. Working conditions have been a problem for the garis-vassoureiras, and there is no regularity in the distribution of EPIs and the work materials lack quality and their availability leaves to be desired, affecting the sweeping work and especially the health of these women. Finally, the garis-vassoureiras are unaware of the meaning of the term sustainability, since they do not have knowledge about the subject, nor is it treated in the institutional sphere.