Brazil: Indefinite postal strike starts March 11

Event

Employees of the Brazilian Post and Telegraph Company began an indefinite strike on Sunday, March 11, to protest working conditions and government attempts to privatize the mail service. The strike was approved on Sunday night by an assembly of la Federación Nacional de los Trabajadores en Empresas de Correos y Telégrafos y Similares, the union representing postal workers. Workers are demanding the hiring of new officials through public tender and the end of layoff plans. The union has not announced any associated demonstrations as of Monday, March 12, but protests are possible if a deal cannot be reached with the government.

Context

La Federación Nacional de los Trabajadores en Empresas de Correos y Telégrafos y Similares claims that the average salary of mail workers is the lowest among public and state companies. They also oppose new measures proposed by the Brazilian Post and Telegraph Company, which include suspension of vacation, the removal of parents, children, and spouses from health plans, and the closure of 2500 branches throughout Brazil.

Advice

Individuals in Brazil are advised to monitor the situation and avoid all gatherings as a precaution.