Brazil: Metro workers staging indefinite strike in Belo Horizonte's Metropolitan Region Aug. 25

Event

Brazilian Urban Train Company in Minas Gerais (Companhia Brasileira de Trens Urbanos em Minas Gerais, CBTU-MG) employees are staging an indefinite strike in Belo Horizonte's Metropolitan Region Aug. 25. As of early Aug. 25, the 19 stations that serve Belo Horizonte and the neighboring city of Contagem are closed. Workers are striking to oppose plans to privatize CBTU-MG.

The strike action is likely to lead to an increased demand for alternative forms of public transportation in the state capital; delays and disruptions remain likely during peak hours. It remains unclear if the workers will operate the metro system during peak hours to limit disruptions. 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 Belo Horizonte's Metropolitan Region for the duration of the strike. Avoid all protests as a precaution.