Brazil: Metro workers announce 30-day strike in Recife's Metropolitan Region from April 20

Event

Metro workers affiliated with Pernambuco's Metro Union (Sindicato dos Metroviarios de Pernambuco, SINDMETRO-PE) announced a 30-day strike in Recife from April 20. Participants demand the suspension of plans to privatize the Brazilian Urban Train Company (Companhia Brasileira de Trens Urbanos, CBTU). The workers have not yet announced any interruptions to metro services in the city. However, within the next 30 days, they can agree to fully suspend services without notice.

Disruptions to metro services can lead to an increased demand for alternative forms of public transportation. 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 Recife's Metropolitan Region for the duration of the strike. Avoid all protests as a precaution.