Brazil: Protests planned in São Paolo November 10

Event

Labor unions have called for demonstrations to take place in São Paolo on Friday, November 10, to protest labor reforms. Authorities expect protesters to gather at 09:30 (local time) at Praça da Sé, before marching down Avenida Paulista. The protests are scheduled the day before Law 13467 comes into effect, which amends the labor code, establishing new rules for collective bargaining, vacation time, and overtime.​

A heightened security presence is expected, and transportation disruptions in the vicinity of the demonstration are likely.

Context

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

President Temer survived a vote by the lower house of congress on August 2, which decided not to refer him to the Supreme Court over bribery allegations. The scandal has sparked various protests and prompted eight impeachment filings. Temer has reiterated that he will not step down but remains under investigation.

Advice

Individuals in São Paolo are advised to avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, and anticipate transportation disruptions in the vicinity of protests.