The employees of Avibras, Brazil's largest arms manufacturer, which has been under judicial recovery since 2022, voted to accept the company's proposal for the payment of outstanding labor debts and the resumption of factory activities. This decision was made during a meeting at the Metalworkers' Union of São José dos Campos, marking the end of a strike that lasted almost 1,300 days. The company's proposal involved dismissing all approximately 900 employees and paying off overdue salaries in 48 installments over a period of two years and eight months.

Under the approved proposal, Avibras plans to rehire 210 workers after the layoffs, with the potential for additional hiring starting in June, targeting a total of about 450 employees. The termination of the current workforce is scheduled for March 31, with processes for contract finalization, medical examinations, and signing of new contracts expected to take place afterward. This decision underscores the difficult balance between labor rights and the financial recovery needs of the struggling company.

The acceptance of this proposal by the employees reflects a difficult but necessary compromise, highlighting the broader issues facing Brazilian labor amid economic challenges. As Avibras continues its recovery, the implications for jobs in the region and the broader arms industry in Brazil will be closely watched, making the company's next steps crucial for its future and the communities it serves.