Brazilian Petrobras workers go on indefinite strike from tomorrow

The workers are protesting a plan by the state-controlled company to close the Parana Nitrogen Fertilizer plant firing its 396 workers.

Brazilian oil company Petrobras workers will go on an indefinite strike as from tomorrow, Saturday. The workers are protesting a plan by the state-controlled company to close the Parana Nitrogen Fertilizer plant firing its 396 workers.

The Oil Workers Federation (FUP) said in a statement: "The current government's aggressive policy of privatization and closure of Petrobras' strategic units impacts oil tankers, with massive layoffs and attacks on agreed rights, and also harms the population." 

The federation and its 13 unions said the decision to layoff workers violates the collective labor agreement signed between union representatives and the firm, which prevents the company from promoting mass layoffs without prior negotiation with the union.

The union added: "This is not an isolated case of breach of the agreement. Less than three months after signing the ACT, the company's managers continue to repeatedly disrespect what they agreed with union representatives. In addition, they override legislation and the negotiation process itself by imposing unilateral decisions, in spite of the unions’ and workers' will."