Union announces strike at Embraer, company denies disruption

Workers at Embraer’s major aerospace plant in Brazil voted to strike on Wednesday after rejecting a wage proposal, according to the local metalworkers’ union. The company, however, insists that production has not been interrupted and that most employees reported for their shifts.

The dispute centers on salary adjustments and benefits. The union is demanding an 11% wage increase and a higher food allowance, while the company has offered a raise of 5.5%—slightly above inflation—alongside an increase in allowances for lower and mid-range salaries.

Another sticking point is job security for employees on medical leave or recovering from workplace injuries. Union representatives claim the company wants to shorten the period of guaranteed employment, a move they say would leave vulnerable workers exposed.

The strike comes at a time of strong financial performance for the manufacturer. The company recently reported a profit growth compared with last year’s results and highlighted significant gains in its stock value over the past six years.

Union leaders argue that record profits and rising order backlogs should be reflected in workers’ pay. “This strike reflects the frustration of employees who see growing revenues but no corresponding recognition on the shop floor,” said one union director.

The company countered with a statement stressing that all its facilities are operating normally and that it respects workers’ rights. It also noted that negotiations are ongoing with industry representatives, urging that talks continue without disrupting production.

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Ricardo Meier

Creator of the website that started in 1996 as a magazine. He also writes on Brazilian websites AUTOO, MOTOO and MetrôCPTM.

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