Bus strike in RJ affects 24 lines and demands wage arrears

Summary
Workers of the Real and Vila Isabel buses in Rio de Janeiro have gone on strike over delayed wages, lack of benefits and precarious conditions, affecting 24 bus lines in various regions of the city.

At least 1,300 employees of the transport companies Real and Vila Isabel stopped their activities on the morning of Monday 22, in Rio de Janeiro. These are drivers, mechanics and administrative employees of bus companies operating in the capital. The mobilization impacts the operation of 24 bus lines, which circulate between the districts of the South, North, South-West and Central Zone. The information comes from Globo Television.

This is the second strike in three months. According to the Road Workers’ Union, this movement comes after a series of problems that have lasted for months. Among the demands are payment of late salaries and food stamps; massive layoffs without severance pay and unpaid leave since October.

Employees also accuse the absence of FGTS deposit and INSS payment, the absence of transfer of alimony and payday loans; cancellation of dental plan without notice and precarious working conditions, with unmaintained buses and cockroach infestation.

According to the union, the workers’ demonstration is taking place in four points in Rio: Central do Brasil, Terminal Gentileza, a plot of land on Avenida Brasil next to Assaí and the Vila Isabel garage. They will only return to work after everyone has received their salary, vacation, FGTS and food vouchers. The idea is to try to reach an agreement, to avoid harming the population.

The municipal Transport department will determine the immediate increase in bus lines through consortia.

*Update