Bus Workers in Brasília Confirm Strike Starting Sept. 28

Overview

• Workers voted in an assembly on Sunday to begin a strike on Monday, Sept. 28, after rejecting the companies' earlier offer.
• Concessionary firms have offered a new proposal that raises wages by 6% and increases benefits including a 7% boost to meal tickets and 11.88% for health and dental coverage.
• The regional labor court has upheld the right to strike but ordered minimum operation levels that require 80% of the fleet in peak hours, at least 50% in other periods, and full service on election days.
• The Government of the Federal District says it has sought court action to declare the stoppage illegal and has authorized a weekday schedule plus free transport on Oct. 4 to ensure voters can reach polling stations.
• Negotiations have been ongoing since July over more than ten rounds and now hinge on further worker assemblies and possible judicial enforcement, with penalties set for noncompliance and companies saying they remain open to talks.