Eduardo Annunciato, known as Chicão, the president of the São Paulo Electricians' Union, has recently approached the Lula government to advocate for the preservation of the energy distributor Enel's contract in the state. He argues against the possibility of contract termination (known as 'caducidade'), emphasizing that ending the agreement could severely jeopardize the jobs and livelihoods of approximately 40,000 Enel employees in São Paulo, including around 5,500 directly employed by the company. Annunciato has also called for discussions with key ministers, including Luiz Marinho (Labour) and Alexandre Silveira (Mines and Energy), to negotiate a better outcome for workers.

Despite acknowledging existing issues with Enel's services, Annunciato highlights the significant financial implications that would arise from contract termination, estimating a potential financial loss of about R$ 20 billion concerning outstanding payments to employees. He stresses that in such a complicated situation, workers are disproportionately affected, as they often bear the brunt of corporate decisions that prioritize short-term gains over their livelihood.

In light of these challenges, Annunciato proposes the establishment of a Conduct Adjustment Agreement (Termo de Ajustamento de Conduta, TAC) involving government oversight, indicating a strong desire for a structured resolution that maintains jobs while addressing the concerns over service quality. This approach signifies an ongoing struggle between labor rights and corporate operations in Brazil’s energy sector, stressing the need for collaboration between unions and the government to protect employees from potential vulnerabilities in the marketplace.