Trade union centers announce joint participation on May 1 event
On Monday (Apr. 15), the heads of Brazil's major trade union centers collectively announced their participation in the national May 1 event.
The “For a Fairer Brazil” celebration is anticipated to draw 50,000 attendees to the parking lot of the Neo Química Arena, in São Paulo. This free event will feature live concerts and a political assembly advocating for various causes, including fair employment practices, revision of the income tax structure, reduced interest rates, dignified retirement, gender pay equity, and enhancement of public services. The complete schedule is expected to be announced closer to the festivity date.
Although President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva participated in last year's celebration, his attendance for this year's event remains unconfirmed.
Strikes
Sérgio Nobre, the head of the Unifed Workers’ Union (CUT), commented on the work stoppages led by federal civil servants demanding a pay raise. He highlighted that these workers have endured nearly seven years without meaningful dialogue with the government or any wage increase, leading to accumulated grievances beyond salary concerns. Additionally, he emphasized the need for career restructuring and addressed issues regarding equipment inadequacy.
"It's natural for workers to have their own agendas. There has also been a dismantling of public services in these seven years. Last year's 9 percent wage increase was a step forward. President Lula himself taught us that a zero increase is only acceptable in defeat. So, I hope that Minister Fernando Haddad will find room in the budget to meet the workers' demands," he noted.
Nobre further emphasized that it's the union's role to advocate for demands, acknowledging that agreements aren't always reached at the negotiating table. However, he underscored the importance of dialogue. "Dialogue is underway," he stated. "I believe the government will unveil a negotiation timeline by sector, and we remain hopeful that progress will be made, averting the need for a strike. Yet, if no proposal is presented, the union stands ready to advocate vigorously, with full support from the federations, for the public servants' struggle," he affirmed.
