News

Last tuesday, the bank workers in Brazil went to a strike. The national strike is an answer to the lack of reasonable and fair discussion during the Collective Bargaining Process. The proposal of 6.5%, presented by Employers is below inflation rate, which had reached 9.57% and will represent real lost for all workers in the sector.

Starting on 1st of September, unions leaders had meet employers 5 different times and until now FENABAN, the Employers Federation, hasn’t presented a decent proposal in order to put an end on this process and renew the Agreement.

Beside of the economic demands, the workers also brought to the table the discussion about abusive sales targets, moral and sexual arrestment, employment and health and safety policies, however the banks refused to discuss these points too. Between 2012 and 2015 the finance industry in Brazil had reduced more than 34 thousands workers, increasing stress and bring more insecurity to the workplace.

The bank sector hasn’t face any impact in their business, during crisis period. The five largest banks got a profit of 29 billion of Reais (about US$ 8 billion) in first half of 2016. On the other hand, in 2016 sector already cut 7.897 jobs.

Roberto Von der Osten, CONTRAF’s President pointed out that banks need to behavior with more social responsibility – “They are not open to discuss employment or to accept the fair demands of bank workers. They just want to win, to increase the profit and to explore the costumer and society with high interest rates”. Said Roberto.

The bad environment at workplace had increased the health problems of bank workers and in only 3 months more than 4.400 bank workers had left their position on sick leave.

“The workers are unified and mobilized to participate in this struggle. And more than never the theme of this campaign express our feeling – Only the fight can ensure better future!” - concluded Roberto.