Reprinted below is an initiative from the International Labour Network of Solidarity and Struggle to defend eight subway workers in São Paulo who were unjustly fired for union activity around a fight against the privatization of public transportation. We ask our readers, especially union members, to send messages to the Brazilian embassy by Feb. 19. Please read the message below for details.

Message from the International Labour Network For Solidarity and Struggles. Originally posted on LabourSolidarity.org 

Comrades!

Feb. 20 is the date of the first judicial hearing to demand the reinstatement of eight workers of the São Paulo Metro who were fired from their jobs.

We ask the organizations of the Network to submit a letter to the Brazilian embassies or consulates by February 19 calling for the reinstatement of the eight dismissed workers.

Below is a sample letter, which can be modified. After sending the motion, please send the information to:

Find email for Brazilian consulates here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/consularnotification/ConsularNotificationandAccess/Brazil.html

sindicato@metroviarios-sp.org.br and

internacional@cspconlutas.org.br

Long live international solidarity!

SAMPLE LETTER:

For the reinstatement of the 8 metro workers of São Paulo:

On Nov. 24, 2023, the São Paulo Metro Company fired eight metro workers for standing up for labor rights and against the privatization of public transportation. These dismissals are all unjustified and contrary to labor rights. Feb. 20 is the date of the first judicial hearing to hear the case for their reinstatement.

We demand from the Brazilian authorities the immediate reinstatement of:

1) Alex Fernandes, station operator, 34 years of service, leader of CSP-Conlutas.

2) Altino Prazeres, train operator, 27 years of service, leader of CSP-Conlutas

3) Benedito de Lima, train operator, 25 years of service

4) Gabriela Pomin, train operator, 9 years of service member of the accident prevention committee

5) Narciso Soares, train operator, 18 years of service, vice-president of the union

6) Priscila da Silva, train operator, 6 years of service, member of the accident prevention committee

7) Rodrigo de Souza, train operator, 12 years of service

8) Sérgio Machado, station supervisor, 26 years of service, member of the accident prevention committee