As negotiations reach an impasse, the subway workers of São Paulo, Brazil, are considering a potential strike.
Today, at around 6:30 pm, they will meet to deliberate and possibly confirm plans for the strike scheduled for midnight Tuesday.
This pivotal assembly follows two previous meetings where the subway workers expressed overwhelming support for the strike.
The Union of Subway Workers of São Paulo has noted that their key demand is recruiting additional staff through public competition.
Reacting to the company’s steadfast refusal to amend its proposal even after a June 1st deadline was set for a negotiated solution, the workers are determined to strike starting midnight on June 13, with a crucial assembly preceding it on June 12.
The union made this clear in a previous statement.
During the past assemblies, the workers agreed to use vests and braces in all work areas and to stop wearing their uniforms starting Monday.
They have also circulated an open letter about the potential strike to keep the public informed.
Should the strike go forward, it will significantly impact São Paulo’s public transportation, affecting the 1-Blue, 2-Green, 3-Red, and 15-Silver monorail lines.
However, the 4-Yellow and 5-Lilac lines, which are privately operated, will remain unaffected.
An intriguing part of the union’s proposal involves keeping the subway turnstiles free.
As such, if the strike proceeds, passengers can travel on the subway without paying fares.
This looming strike underscores the tension between the subway workers and the company.
The outcome of tonight’s meeting will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications, affecting the subway workers and the thousands of São Paulo residents who depend on the subway system for their daily commute.
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