Copasa employees go on strike.
According to the category, Copasa is offering a salary increase of 5,82% and a 10% increase in meal vouchers, but refuses to meet the other demands; both the employer and the worker assure that there will be no disruption to the population regarding water distribution and sewage treatment services.
Mines 247 – Employees of the Minas Gerais Sanitation Company (Copasa) went on strike this Tuesday (12). According to Renato Oliveira, the general secretary of Sindágua, one of the unions involved in the mobilization, the category's list of demands contains 44 items.
"We are demanding the INPC [National Consumer Price Index], of 5,82%, plus a 3,88% real wage increase, in addition to a review of career paths and improvements in working conditions. We want to raise awareness within the company, but we will maintain all services because the strike is not against the population," the union representative told G1 Minas. Three unions are involved in the strike (Sindágua, Senge, and Saemg).
Copasa is offering a salary increase of R$ 5,82% and a 10% increase in meal vouchers; however, according to the union, the company is not discussing the other demands presented in May. Both employers and workers assure that there will be no disruption to water distribution and sewage treatment services for the population.
In a statement, Copasa informed that there will be no further negotiations. "Despite having presented a proposal that adjusts salaries and all current benefits according to the INPC (National Consumer Price Index), in addition to granting a 10% increase in meal vouchers, Copasa received a letter from Sindágua (Water Workers Union) on August 6th, communicating the decision to hold a strike starting today (August 12th). Despite this, customer service and all essential services continue to be provided," the text says.