Metalworkers protest against pension reform on Anchieta highway.
Metalworkers from the Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz assembly plants, Ford, and other companies in the ABC region protested this morning against the Social Security reform proposed by the Temer government; approximately 12 people gathered on the Anchieta Highway, which connects the capital of São Paulo to the coast; the demonstration ended around 10:30 am and the highway was reopened.
Fernanda Cruz – Reporter for Agência Brasil
The protest by metalworkers that blocked the side lanes of Via Anchieta today (9) ended at 10:30 am, after more than 2 hours of demonstration. The group, which works in companies in São Bernardo do Campo, is against the Social Security reform proposed by the federal government.
Organizers estimate that 12 people participated in the event. The Military Police, who accompanied the demonstrators, estimate that between 1,5 and 1,8 people were present. Participants included metalworkers from the Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, and Scania car manufacturers, as well as auto parts companies from the region.
According to the concessionaire Ecovias, the protesters occupied the side lanes of the Anchieta highway, near kilometer 23 in the direction of São Paulo and near kilometer 15 in the direction of the coast. Traffic was congested in the morning.
The action is part of a series of events organized by labor unions, which oppose the pension reform. According to these organizations, the changes threaten the right to retirement and social security guarantees.
The bill establishes a minimum retirement age of 65 for both men and women and a minimum contribution period of 25 years. To receive the full benefit, workers will need to contribute for 49 years, according to the government's proposal. The organizations believe that less regulated and lower-paying jobs will be the most negatively impacted.