Research shows that 45% of truck drivers learned about the strike via WhatsApp.

Do Diary of the Center of the World (DCM).

Ipsos and Truckpad, the first freight app for truck drivers in Brazil, partnered to conduct an online survey with truck drivers who use the platform. The interviews were conducted on May 29th and aim to capture the mood of truck drivers at this time.

THE STRIKE

One initial finding from the survey is the confirmation of the internet's influence on the formation of the strike. Of the approximately 1,3 truck drivers participating, 45% learned about the movement through WhatsApp and 9% via Facebook; in other words, social media was the means of disseminating information about the strike to more than half of the truck drivers.

It should also be noted that only 1% were called upon by unions or associations, showing that this is truly a movement initiated by the drivers as a whole, not originating from any central organization. The vast majority (82%) reported not belonging to any association. Even among those who have some affiliation, none stood out, with Sindcam (1%) and Abcam (1%) being the most frequently mentioned.

THE CURRENT SITUATION

Only 3% of truck drivers were operating normally at the time of the interview. Most were at home, and only 24% were participating in protests on the roads. Therefore, even though road blockades have been reduced, a large portion of the drivers have not yet returned to work.

PERSPECTIVE

Depending on the truckers' willingness, the discussion is far from over. Of the total, 65% reported being willing to remain on strike until their demands are met. This percentage could indicate that the commitments made by the government have not yet been fully disseminated among the category. However, when asked what is needed to end the strike, the main responses are "A further reduction in the price of diesel" and "Guarantees that the price will be controlled in the long term," highlighting a lack of confidence in the commitments made.

The truck drivers were also asked how long they imagined the strike would continue – depending on their willingness and the unity of the group. The majority, 51%, said that the group will remain on strike for as long as necessary, until their demands are met.

In summary, the main demands are directly related to the truck driver's activity and its economic viability; there is no strong union movement, and the internet has played a fundamental role in mobilizing a category that will last for as long as they deem necessary.

But there is also a significant portion of protesters who point to a broader motivation, spanning the political and democratic spectrum. 32% of protesters called for the resignation of President Michel Temer, and 31% called for military intervention in the federal government.

Reading the comments accompanying the questionnaires, respondents were able to freely verbalize their motivations, and some phrases illustrate well the trucker's mood regarding politicians: "Exclusion of the benefits of politicians," "May we have a government with more transparency and less corruption to achieve our goals," "The politicians who are there only know how to shift all the burdens onto us, making it difficult to work, they only think about stealing and look where we've ended up."