Administrative technicians of federal universities in Pará go on strike
Administrative technicians across three federal universities in Pará, Brazil, have initiated an indefinite strike as part of a national movement aiming to enforce agreements with the federal government.
On Monday, administrative technicians from three federal universities in the state of Pará, Brazil—including the Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA), Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará (Unifesspa), and Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará (Ufopa)—began an indefinite strike. This action is part of a national movement demanding adherence to agreements that were made with the federal government in 2024, reflecting widespread discontent among university staff about unresolved issues. According to reports from students, the strike has already disrupted campus life, notably leading to the suspension of university restaurants and affecting daily operations at academic facilities.
The strike involves approximately 2,500 administrative technicians across various campuses of UFPA alone, with their roles being critical for the everyday functioning of university operations. These technicians are responsible for a variety of essential services, from managing the logistics of classroom operations and university dining services to overseeing contracts and procurement processes essential for campus maintenance and educational quality. The impact of their absence is keenly felt in academic environments, where they play a significant role in supporting both faculty and students.
Organized by the union representing these administrative workers, the strike emphasizes broader issues of labor conditions and government responsibilities towards education in Brazil. As the situation develops, it raises questions about how these disruptions will affect the university community, the response from the government, and the potential for resolution for both employees and students alike.