The Sindicato dos Ferroviários union announced Tuesday that railway workers will continue their strike against the Companhia Paulista de Trens Metropolitanos (CPTM) [1, 2].
This labor action threatens the transit stability of São Paulo, as workers oppose the government's plan to auction and privatize key infrastructure. The dispute centers on the potential for mass layoffs and the loss of public control over essential commuter services.
The strike specifically targets the planned privatization of CPTM lines 11-Coral, 12-Safira, and 13-Jade [2, 3]. Union representatives said the strike will continue until the government cancels the auction of these three lines [2].
Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the current status of the walkout. While some sources indicate the strike remains active, another report said that an assembly on Tuesday the 25th approved a suspension of the strike on lines 11, 12, and 13 [3].
Union leadership has scheduled a follow-up meeting for Wednesday, Aug. 5, at 17:00 Brasília time to determine the next steps for the workforce [1]. The workers continue to argue that privatization will jeopardize job security and service quality for the millions of passengers who rely on the CPTM network daily.
The CPTM system is a critical artery for the São Paulo metropolitan area, connecting the city center with outlying suburbs. Any prolonged disruption to the 11, 12, and 13 lines creates significant bottlenecks for the regional economy and public transport efficiency.
“The strike will continue until the government cancels the auction of lines 11, 12, and 13”
The tension between the Sindicato dos Ferroviários and the government reflects a broader ideological struggle over the role of state-owned enterprises in Brazil. If the strike persists, it could force the government to either modify the terms of the privatization—such as adding stronger job guarantees—or risk a prolonged transit crisis in Latin America's most populous city.
