EPE Workers End Strike After Accepting Mediated Pay Deal

Overview

• In a Dec. 2 assembly, 57% of 275 voting employees approved the offer, with 38% opposed and 5% abstaining.
• The package includes 80% of the INPC in 2025 and 100% in 2026, plus a new benefit for employees and dependents with disabilities, expanded full daycare assistance, and leave for women facing domestic violence.
• EPE will abate 20 strike days and allow compensation for 7 days through work, with prior payroll deductions to be reimbursed via a supplemental December payment.
• Talks culminated in mediation at the TRT-RJ after more than nine negotiation rounds, following worker complaints over salary discounts and the company’s move to pursue a collective labor dispute via an outside law firm.
• The stoppage slowed preparation for energy auctions, including the March 2026 capacity reserve auction with over 300 projects awaiting qualification, while a court required minimum staffing to limit delays and other EPE studies also saw disruption.