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São Paulo. Workers form the main private banks in Brazil put an end to a two-week strike after accepting a salary proposal made by the major group of the finance industry in the country.



According to the agreement, those workers from the private sector who earn up to 5250 Reais (Us Dollars 3.174) per month will receive a raise of a 7,5 per cent, with the exception of minimum wages which will be increased by a 16,7 per cent, which constitutes a historical achievement because never before the employers had accepted such a significant minimum wage increase, asserted the union leaders.



In the case of higher salaries, an additional payment of 393,75 Reais was agreed (Us dollars 238, 06) per month; otherwise the increase of a 4,29 per cent, whatever shall be most favourable for the worker.



The state employees of the Banco do Brasil and Caixa Economica Federal also put an end to their strike after accepting the proposal of the bank group Fenaban to raise the salaries by a 7,5 per cent, with exception of minimum wages which will be increased by a 13 per cent.



Even if Unions are reluctant to offer better profit sharing conditions, Fenaban offered a significant increase for workers.



Another positive aspect of this negotiation was that a commission to investigate cases of moral harassment was created. These cases are originated in the fulfilment of sales objectives. In the case of robbery at the offices, the banks will be compelled to present a formal police denouncement and to provide psychological treatment to the affected workers.

Among the major Brazilian banks Banco do Brasil, Caixa Económica Federal, Banco Santander Brasil, Banco Itaú Unibanco, Banco Bradesco, HSBC and Citigroup can be highlighted.

For further information contact: marcio.monzane@uniglobalunion.org