Brazilian postal workers end 15-day strike with gains

Postal workers in Brazil ended a 15-day strike after the Superior Labor Court ruled the work stoppage was not abusive and ordered them to return to activities on September 25.

The court decided the striking workers will not have their pay reduced for the days they were on strike, though they will need to make up the lost work later. Workers secured a 4.09% raise to their salaries and benefits, including meal vouchers and childcare assistance.

However, the state postal service, Correios, will no longer manage the workers’ health plan. Correios sought to cut costs amid a financial crisis, and the court sided with the company’s request to transfer administration of the health plan away from itself. Union representatives believe this change may increase costs for employees. The Superior Labor Court also rejected a request from Correios to have the strike declared abusive, which would have resulted in a fine of R$100,000 for the unions involved.

The court’s majority found that the company did not present enough evidence to justify this claim. Amanda Corcino, president of the Union of Postal and Telegraph Workers of the Federal District, stated the strike was important in opposing actions taken by Correios management. She emphasized that workers will continue to fight against restructuring efforts and seek the removal of the current company president.