Bank workers in Rio de Janeiro are calling for participation in the category's strike.
Bank branches across the country went on strike indefinitely this morning, following a decision made in assemblies held by the category's unions; the union leaders rejected the proposal made by the National Federation of Banks (Fenaban), which provides for a 7,35% increase in salaries; in Rio, employees picketed, preventing employees from entering the banks, with the aim of gaining support for the strike.
From Agência Brasil
Bank branches across the country went on strike today (30) indefinitely, following a decision taken at assemblies held by the category’s unions last night (29). The union leaders rejected the proposal made by the National Federation of Banks (Fenaban), which provides for a 7,35% increase in salaries. In Rio de Janeiro, employees made pickets, preventing employees from entering the banks, with the aim of getting people to join the strike.
The director of the Rio de Janeiro Bank Workers Union, Paulo César Matileti, criticized Fenaban's stance. "The bankers don't respect the workers, so we had to decide on a strike. The federation refused to present a proposal that met the bank workers' demands: it offered an increase well below what we asked for and didn't even address non-economic issues. We need better working conditions," he said.
Paulo Roberto Sabino, a 46-year-old oil worker, went to a bank branch today on Avenida Rio Branco, in Rio's financial center, and said he was unable to complete a transaction, but stated his support for the strikers. "I need to make a deposit, but I couldn't do it at the ATMs here and there are no employees working. Although it has harmed me, I support the strike. I used to work in a bank and I'm still in contact with my colleagues. They complain mainly about the absurd targets," he reported.
Tourist guide Vanda da Costa Barreto, 66, works in Jacarepaguá and went to the agency on Avenida Rio Branco to make a payment. "I lost a whole day just to come here and found the door locked. I think demands should be made, but always through dialogue and without harming people," she said.
The president of the Rio de Janeiro Shopkeepers' Union (Sindilojas), Aldo Gonçalves, states that the strike could affect commerce. "People tend to spend less and prioritize the most urgent purchases, with the bank strike. This certainly causes sales to fall and harms merchants," he believes.
Among the main demands of bank employees are a 12,5% salary increase, an end to targets considered abusive, combating workplace harassment, maintaining health plans in retirement, a Career and Salary Plan (PCCS) for all bank employees, and prevention against robberies and kidnappings.
Fenaban's proposal offers a 7,35% salary increase, with an 8% increase for the category's minimum wage, potentially reaching R$ 2.403 for tellers working six hours a day, after 90 days.