Brazil: Nationwide protests June 20

Event

Multiple labor unions and social movements are calling for protests in São Paulo and Brazil's other main cities on Tuesday afternoon, June 20. The demonstrations are in response to controversial labor reforms proposed by President Michel Temer, which will face a first vote in the Senate on Tuesday. Unions oppose the proposed pension system and labor legislation that would allow for all businesses to use outsourcing, which critics argue would significantly erode workers' rights.

Context

Multiple trade unions, along with the Popular Brazil Front and People Without Fear civil society organizations, organized a 24-hour nationwide general strike on April 28. An estimated 40 million people participated in the protest.

Brazil has seen a series of protests in response to reforms proposed by President Temer, whose government took over after the impeachment of former President Dilma Rousseff. Numerous opposition groups, labor unions, and civil society organizations consider Rousseff's ouster and Temer's arrival in office to be illegitimate.

Additionally, recent corruption allegations affecting Temer and his administration have increased popular discontent and worsened an already acute political crisis. A recorded conversation of President Temer that purportedly showed him discussing the payment of hush money to a jailed politician led to the opening of a formal probe by the Supreme Court on Friday, May 19. The scandal has sparked various protests and prompted eight impeachment filings. Temer has reiterated that he will not step down.

Advice

Individuals in Brazil are advised to avoid all demonstrations due to the risk of violence, to monitor developments to the situation, and to anticipate transportation disruptions surrounded protest sites.