Brazil: Metro workers maintain indefinite strike in Belo Horizonte's Metropolitan Region as of Sept. 14 /update 1

Event

As of Sept. 14, Brazilian Urban Train Company in Minas Gerais (Companhia Brasileira de Trens Urbanos em Minas Gerais, CBTU-MG) employees are continuing to partake in an indefinite strike in Belo Horizonte's Metropolitan Region that began Aug. 25. However, the participants have resumed 60 percent of services at stations that serve Belo Horizonte and the neighboring city of Contagem. The president of the Minas Gerais Metro Workers Union (Sindicato dos Metroviarios de Minas Gerais, SindMetro) stated that a full suspension of metro services remains possible. 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. 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.