Protest against loss of rights blocks major São Paulo avenue

Thousands of people linked with social movements and trade unions blocked Paulista Avenue, one of the main thoroughfares in São Paulo, for about 20 minutes on Thursday (June 25), in protest against the fiscal adjustment, new proposed outsourcing rules, and the proposal to lower age of criminal responsibility, and demanding immediate roll-out of stage 3 of the Minha Casa Minha Vida affordable housing program.

The protest was led by the Homeless Workers' Movement (MTST) and gathered members of the Central Workers' Union (CUT) and other organizations. Dubbed “Red Thursday”, the demonstration began at the clear span under the São Paulo Art Museum (MASP) and marched to the headquarters of the Brazilian Federation of Banks.

According to Guilherme Boulos, one of MTST leaders, the country is facing “an offensive against the lower classes, launched by both Congress and the federal government. We won't let them shift the burden of the crisis onto the shoulders of workers,” he added.

Douglas Izzo, Vice-President of CUT, emphasized that the union – an umbrella for trade unions throughout the country – joined the protest to support the MTST in defending workers' rights. Their main complaint, he explained, is a bill relaxing outsourcing permissions for businesses. CUT is threatening to call a mass strike if the bill passes.

In a statement, the Ministry of Cities said the protesters' claims are fair and clarified that stage 3 of the Minha Casa, Minha Vida program should kick-off in late August. “The Ministry of Cities aims to provide 3 million new units. So far, the Minha Casa, Minha Vida program has benefited 2.3 million households with investments of about R$ 257 [nearly $83] billion,” the statement read.

According to the military police, the protest rallied about 2,000 people, whereas organizers estimate 25,000 protesters.

Translated by Mayra Borges

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