Brazil: Metro workers in Recife announce indefinite strike from Aug. 11

Event

Metro workers affiliated with Pernambuco's Metro Union (Sindicato dos Metroviarios de Pernambuco, SINDMETRO-PE) announced an indefinite strike in Recife from Aug. 11. Metro services in the city will be fully suspended, and all metro stations will be closed. The decision to call for another strike came after the union and the Brazilian Urban Train Company (Companhia Brasileira de Trens Urbanos, CBTU) failed to reach an agreement during talks on Aug. 10. Some of the workers' demands include higher salaries and guarantees to keep their jobs if authorities decide to privatize CBTU.

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. Heed instructions from authorities.