Brazil: Bus workers strike in Porto Alegre Dec. 16

Bus drivers affiliated with the Union of Road Transport Companies of the State of Rio Grande do Sul (Sindicato das Empresas de Transportes Rodoviarios do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, SETERGS) are staging a strike in the Porto Alegre Metropolitan Area on Dec. 16. The strike is reportedly affecting more than 100,000 passengers traveling to Porto Alegre from the nearby municipalities of Alvorada, Cachoeirinha, Canoas, Eldorado do Sul, Guaiba, Gravatai, and Viamao. Participants are making several labor-related demands. Most in-city bus services in Porto Alegre remain unaffected.

Ground transport and business disruptions are likely on Dec. 16; calls for further strikes are possible in the coming days. Associated demonstrations cannot be ruled out.