Bus Drivers' Union Maintains Strike Alert, Rejects 5% Raise Offer

The Bus Drivers' Union has decided to maintain its strike alert status following an assembly on Thursday, March 23rd. The union rejected a proposed 5% salary increase and a 6% rise in the basic food allowance. Instead of pursuing a general strike, the drivers opted to negotiate directly with individual bus companies. Union president Sebastião José stated that this approach is expected to be more effective, with negotiation agendas to be sent to each company starting Monday. Should negotiations fail, the union indicated the possibility of localized work stoppages, preventing buses from leaving depots. This decision follows the fifth conciliation hearing at the Regional Labor Court on Wednesday, March 22nd, which concluded without an agreement between the drivers and the bus companies' union, Rio Ônibus. Negotiations with Rio Ônibus have now ceased, and the court has set a 10-day period for both parties to submit proposals before a ruling on the labor dispute. The drivers are demanding a 12% raise in two installments, a base salary of R$5,000 for BRT drivers and R$4,000 for others, a R$1,000 food voucher, health insurance, and a revised work schedule of seven and a half hours. A key point of contention is the 7.5-hour workday, with the union arguing that the current half-hour break is insufficient for meals or rest, a point supported by the Public Prosecutor's Office for Labor. The municipality operates approximately 3,600 buses.