President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (PT) decided not to participate in person in the acts of May 1 organized by union centrals this year. Instead, he recorded a statement in a national radio and television network, about five minutes long, which will be shown on Wednesday (30), the eve of Labor Day.
The decision was announced by the Minister of Institutional Relations, Gleisi Hoffmann, during an interview with the program Studio Ifrom GloboNews. According to her, the president chose to make an official speech about labor guidelines instead of presenting events, but maintains his support for mobilization. “Lula has a great connection with the working people,” said the minister.
In 2024, the president participated in person in the celebration, held in the parking lot of Neo Chemistry Arena, in São Paulo, alongside nine ministers. At the time, the event brought together 1,635 people, according to a survey by the University of São Paulo (USP). At the time, Lula even criticized the organization of the act, classifying it as “poorly summoned”.
For this year, three ministers will represent the government in the demonstrations called for six union centrals – CTB, CSB, Força Sindical, UGT, New Central and Public – in the Campo de Bagatelle Square, north of São Paulo. Luiz Marinho (work and employment), Márcio Macêdo (General Secretariat of the Presidency) and Cida Gonçalves (women) will be present. The event starts at 11am on Thursday (1st).
Focus and Left Charges
The mobilization of this May 1st will be marked by the defense of historical labor guidelines, such as the end of the 6 × 1 scale, the exemption of income tax for those who earn up to $ 5,000. These demands have been reiterated by trade union centrals and have also gained strength on social networks, especially after PSOL militants viralize campaigns in favor of the project that prohibits the journey of six consecutive days with only one rest.
Lula has met in recent days with unionists and Minister Márcio Macêdo to align expectations and reinforce the government’s commitment to the labor agenda. At the meeting, held on Tuesday (29), the president promised commitment to advance in Congress proposals of interest to workers, although still without formal commitments about the 6 × 1 scale-a theme that divides his allied base.
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PSOL Allies claim that Lula has been silent about the project, which is standing in Congress, and planning to use the visibility of May 1st to press for its processing.
The theme promises to generate embarrassment to the government if mobilization gains popular traction, especially at a time when the Planalto Palace tries to preserve dialogue with union movements without wearing out the productive sector.
