In São Luís, Brazil, employees of the transportation company Expresso Rei de França, previously known as 1001, gathered for a meeting called by the company to discuss voluntary separation agreements amid ongoing financial difficulties. This meeting led to disruptions in bus services, affecting transportation across at least 15 neighborhoods in the Greater São Luís area.

During the gathering, the company's representatives outlined a proposal that would allow some employees to access their severance funds through the Fundo de Garantia do Tempo de Serviço (FGTS) and unemployment insurance. However, the proposal has raised significant concerns, as it reportedly excludes overdue salaries, vacation days, and food vouchers, leaving many employees in a precarious position without clear information about the payment of entitlements that have been unpaid for years.

As a result of these proposals, while some employees opted to accept the terms, it remains uncertain what will happen to those who choose to remain with the company. The lack of communication regarding the future of these workers, coupled with the long history of unpaid FGTS contributions in some cases, paints a troubling picture of the company's financial health and its impact on the workforce. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges within Brazil's public transportation sector, particularly during economic downturns.