Bank workers on strike throughout Brazil

Bank employees throughout Brazil begin Tuesday (Oct. 6) an indefinite strike demanding a pay rise and profit sharing, among other claims. The strike was called following more than 40 days of negotiations between workers' representatives and the National Federation of Banks (FENABAN) without reaching an agreement.

“The pay rise the banks are offering is unimaginable,” said Robert von der Osten, chairman of the National Confederation of Financial Industry Workers (CONTRAF), who listed other demands, including “job security, better working conditions by easing off on the excessively high targets that are placing health strains on workers, and equal opportunities.”

In a statement, FENABAN said it remains open for negotiations, adding that the offer it made to the workers includes profit sharing for employees. The organization noted that the population will be able to use ATMs or online, mobile and telephone banking during the strike, or go to accredited locations for cash withdrawals, payments, and other financial transactions.

Translated by Mayra Borges