News

Brazilian unions affiliated with UNI, together with other social organizations and workers' confederations, are on a national strike today against the Pension Reform through which the Brazilian government deals another blow to workers' rights.

The main argument of Michel Temer's government is that public expenditure on Social Security in Brazil is too high, and that this reform is necessary to counteract the deficit.

However, this project only poses setbacks and countless abuses of recently conquered social rights, hindering retirement and benefits of the Brazilian citizens.

With this reform workers will only receive 76% of retired pay and will only be able to collect full retired pay after 49 years of service. The government also intends to change the minimum age required to receive a constant pension, from 65 to 70 years old.

Marcio Monzane, UNI Americas Regional Secretary, said that these reforms are a setback for Brazil and are in line with an austerity plan that is being applied in other countries in the region.

"The workers have already made it clear that they do not agree with this reform and therefore they will take to the streets. The social mobilization reinforces this position" he said.

"UNI Americas supports the activities carried out today and we call on the parliament and the government to promote a policy of economic growth, job creation and social inclusion. We say no more cuts to rights in Brazil or Latin America" he concluded.