Caixa Employees Reject Final Proposal and Extend Nationwide Strike
Workers at Brazil's Caixa Econômica Federal voted against the final contract offer, keeping the nationwide strike that began on Friday.
Employees of the Caixa Econômica Federal rejected a final proposal submitted by the bank and decided to maintain the national strike initiated on Friday. The union assembly ended Saturday night with 68% of workers voting in favor of the continuation of the strike at the branch headquarters level representing Sao Paulo, Osasco, and the surrounding region. The primary disagreement centers on Saúde Caixa, the medical assistance plan for staff. The bank's offer included changes to the cost-sharing model and copayment rules. Prior to the vote, Caixa stated the proposal was final and indicated it could appeal to labor courts if rejected. Consequently, Caixa must evaluate entering collective dissolution proceedings, a legal instrument allowing labor courts to establish conditions to resolve impasse between employees and the institution. Despite the rejection, Caixa affirmed it maintains an open dialogue with employee representatives and intends to seek an understanding.
