Brazil: General strike planned for June 30 /update 1

Event

Brazil's largest trade unions and various social movements are planning a nationwide general strike on Friday, June 30, in response to reforms proposed by President Michel Temer. Unions oppose the pension system and labor legislation that would allow for all businesses to use outsourcing, which critics argue would significantly erode workers' rights. They are also calling for President Temer's ouster. Expect increased security measures and transportation disruptions. Violence between demonstrators and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Meanwhile, Brazil's unions have called for a mobilization on Wednesday, June 20. Additional protests cannot be ruled out in the coming days and weeks.

Context

Multiple trade unions, along with the Popular Brazil Front and People Without Fear civil society organizations, organized a 24-hour nationwide general strike on April 28. An estimated 40 million people participated in the protest.

Brazil has seen a series of protests in response to reforms proposed by President Temer, whose government took over after the impeachment of former President Dilma Rousseff. Numerous opposition groups, labor unions, and civil society organizations consider Rousseff's ouster and Temer's arrival in office to be illegitimate.

Additionally, recent corruption allegations affecting Temer and his administration have increased popular discontent and deepened an already acute political crisis. A recorded conversation of President Temer purportedly showing him discussing the payment of hush money to a jailed politician led to the opening of a formal probe by the Supreme Court on Friday, May 19. The scandal has sparked various protests and prompted eight impeachment filings. Temer has reiterated that he will not step down.

Advice

Individuals in Brazil are advised to avoid all demonstrations due to the risk of, to monitor developments to the situation, and to anticipate transportation disruptions surrounded protest sites.