Rio de Janeiro bus drivers started a indefinite strikethis Monday (29), and in the early morning, around 40 vehicles were vandalized. According to Rio Ônibus, a union that represents transport companies, 860 buses circulate in the capital to meet the determination of the Labor Court, which requires the maintenance of at least 50% of the active operational fleet on each itinerary.
The strike takes place on a day of due to the game between Brazil and Japan for the World Cup. Around 32 million passengers use the bus system per month and, with the aim of reducing the impact, the TrensRJ reinforced railway operations with extra trips on all extensions. THE BRT system operates normally this Monday.
The preliminary decision of the Regional Labor Court of the 1st Region (TRT) establishes daily fine of R$50 thousand for unions in case of non-compliance with the minimum fleet. In a note, Rio Ônibus states that the garages are open e asks professionals to show up for work for the resumption of service.
A category seeks a salary of R$4,000 for drivers and R$5,000 for those who drive articulated busesin addition to R$1,000 food voucher e day 5×2. The companies’ proposal, rejected by bus workers, provided for an adjustment of 4.39%, increasing from R$3,420 to R$3,470, for drivers. For those in articulated collectives, the minimum wage would rise from R$4,104.18 to R$4,285.35, with an increase in food assistance from R$660 to R$689.
The city of Rio de Janeiro reported that it is monitoring the situation to ensure the movement of passengers and reduce the impacts of the strike during the strike period.
*With information from Agência Brasil
