Brazil and Chile National Mobilisations

International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)

Brazil and Chile National Mobilisations

Brussels, 11 July 2013 (ITUC OnLine):   The International Trade Union Confederation has expressed its full support for national actions called today by the Brazilian and Chilean trade union movements.

The Brazil mobilisation is in support of demands for a reduction of the 40-hour working week without reductions in income, defence of collective bargaining in the public sector, and the provision of quality public services, particularly in education, health and transport.  The Brazilian unions have been particularly critical of manipulation by conservative forces, including much of the country’s media, of recent demonstrations which originated in demands around public transport fares and provision.

In Chile, today’s national strike organised by the trade union centre CUT has attracted strong support from national student groups.  Specific demands of the CUT include an overhaul to the pension system in favor of a state-run program as well as a 30 percent increase in the current minimum wage.  Both the CUT and student groups have stressed the importance of unified action to achieve much-needed reforms, including tackling massive and growing inequality.

The ITUC represents 175 million workers in 156 countries and territories and has 315 national affiliates.

ENDS

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