Brazil: Demonstrations against pension reforms planned nationwide Mar. 22

Event

The labor unions Unified Workers' Central (UTC), General Union of Workers (UCT), and other civil society groups have called for nationwide demonstrations and strikes on Friday, March 22, to denounce President Jair Bolsonaro's proposed pensions reforms. Organizers have called on public sector workers to join the so-called "National Day of Struggle in Defense of Social Security" by staging work-stoppages and in demonstrations on Friday. Rallies are expected at popular gathering points in cities nationwide, including at the Candelária in Rio de Janeiro (Rio de Janeiro state) from 16:00 (local time) and on Avienda Paulista in São Paulo (São Paulo state) from 17:00. A heightened security presence, as well as business and transportation disruptions, are to be expected on Friday. 

Context

President Jair Bolsonaro is pushing for widespread pension reforms, known locally as PEC 06/2019, by mid-year. The bill would raise the minimum retirement age and make other adjustments to save USD 314 billion over the next decade. Bolsonaro sent the bill to Congress in late February, where analysts have said the plan is likely to go through significant changes. 

Advice

Individuals in Brazil are advised to monitor the situation, avoid demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.