Brazilian bank workers demand suspension of layoffs and branch closures

Union representatives of Banco do Brasil delivered a manifesto demanding the opening of public service exams, preservation of agency staffing, and better mental‑health support for employees. They highlighted concerns over agency transformations into “stores”, reduced security measures, and unequal benefits for staff from banks merged into BB.

In a second round of negotiations, the national command presented data showing that between 2015 and May 2026 Brazilian banks cut about 93,300 jobs and closed 42 % of their branches, with 15,331 positions eliminated in the last year alone while the sector recorded record profits of R$124 billion in 2025. The union called for an immediate suspension of layoffs and branch closures, protection for women workers—particularly those facing domestic violence—and expanded training in information technology.

The movement also warned that the shift of services to bank correspondents threatens customer access in underserved regions and stresses the need to maintain public‑service banking functions across the country.