Brazil: Metro workers staging strike in Belo Horizonte's Metropolitan Region through at least April 3

Event

As of March 31, Brazilian Urban Train Company in Minas Gerais (Companhia Brasileira de Trens Urbanos em Minas Gerais, CBTU-MG) employees are participating in a strike in Belo Horizonte's Metropolitan Region that will continue through at least April 3. The strike is likely to cause delays to metro services in Belo Horizonte and the neighboring city of Contagem. Participants have also called for a demonstration at Praca Sete de Setembro in central Belo Horizonte from 14:00. Workers are denouncing the privatization of CBTU-MG.

The strike action is likely to lead to an increased demand for alternative forms of public transportation in the state capital; delays and disruptions remain likely during peak hours. Associated protests by striking workers are possible; security officials are likely to deploy to any associated protests. Low-level confrontations between demonstrators and police, or with disgruntled commuters, are possible.

Advice

Reconfirm the status of public transportation in Belo Horizonte's Metropolitan Region for the duration of the strike. Avoid all protests as a precaution.