Metro workers in São Paulo began mobilizations on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, after approving a state of strike as part of their efforts to negotiate for salary adjustments and discuss a career plan. The workers have decided to wear union T-shirts instead of their usual uniforms to demonstrate solidarity and draw attention to their demands. The next assembly for the workers is scheduled for Wednesday, October 11, but it remains unclear whether a vote on the strike approval will take place during this meeting.

The approval of the strike state comes amidst ongoing discussions about the negotiation of a career plan and other important issues facing the metro workers. Union representatives have pointed out that there is significant salary disparity among workers performing similar tasks and are calling for more public competitions to hire additional staff. They have also expressed concerns about the trend of outsourcing jobs, which they argue affects the quality of service and job security for existing employees.

As the mobilization intensifies, the workers aim not only to press for the opening of negotiations but also to demand that overdue payments are made. The management of the metro system has so far not responded to requests for comments from the Folha newspaper or the union, highlighting the growing tensions between the workers and the management, indicating a potential escalation of the situation if demands are not met promptly.