24 Nov 2023 | 05:48 PM UTC
Brazil: Public sector workers plan to strike in Sao Paulo Nov. 28
Public transport, education, health, water utility workers to strike in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Nov. 28. Transport, service disruptions likely.
Workers in several public sector fields plan to stage a unified 24-hour strike in Sao Paulo State starting at 00:01 Nov. 28. The action will include employees of the city of Sao Paulo's metro and commuter rail transport systems, as well as teachers at city and state public schools, public health workers, and employees of the state water and waste water management utility provider Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo (SABESP). The purpose of the work stoppage is to protest plans by the state government to privatize or subcontract certain public services.
In addition to disruptions to public health and water services, the strike will probably disrupt class schedules at elementary and secondary schools. Services on Metro lines 11, 12, and 13 will be impacted, as will commuter rail transport in the Greater Sao Paulo area. Metro lines 4, 5, 8, and 9 are privately operated and unlikely to be affected.
The strike will likely prompt an increased demand for alternative forms of public transportation on Nov. 28. Localized protests, as well as isolated confrontations between demonstrators and police, cannot be ruled out.
Reconfirm metro and commuter rail schedule and allow extra time to reach destinations in and around the city of Sao Paulo on Nov. 28. Confirm all appointments at public health and educational institutions during the strike. Plan accordingly for increased absenteeism among employees who are parents or guardians of school-aged children. Avoid any strike-related protests that may materialize.
