News

Trade unions in Brazil have called for a national mobilization to call for a reduction of the 40 hour working week without reductions in pay, support of collective bargaining in the public sector, and the implementation of better public services, particularly in the educational, transport and health sectors. Brazilian unions feel that much of the country’s media have been guilty of manipulating the image of recent demonstrations. These protests stemmed from demands for cheaper public transport fares and provision of better public services, especially in the context of the amount of money expended on the upcoming World Cup and Olympics in Brazil.



In Chile, trade union centre, CUT, has organised a national strike which has garnered solid support from national student groups. CUT is demanding a reform to the pension system in favour of a state-run program, in addition to a 30 percent increase to the minimum wage. Unified action, from CUT, student groups and other social organizations, is required to achieve a much needed overhaul to confront increasing inequality in Chile.



Link to ITUC News Article: http://www.ituc-csi.org/brazil-and-chile-national