Brazilian bank workers push for real wage increase amid high bank profits

On 30 May, the National Command of Bank Workers (Comando Nacional dos Bancários) presented a set of economic demands to the National Federation of Banks (Fenaban). The demands include a real increase in salaries, higher participation in profits and results (PLR), and larger meal and food vouchers. The union cited 2025 figures showing the five largest banks earned R$124 billion in profit, with the sector’s net profit reaching R$171 billion and equity at R$1.2 trillion. Bank profitability averaged 2.3 times the Selic rate and three times inflation.

Dieese data indicate that food vouchers lost 13 % of purchasing power since 2019 and meal vouchers fell 3.7 % since 2023, prompting the union to argue that a roughly 40 % voucher increase is needed to restore 2019 levels. Since 2016, banks have cut personnel expenses by 7 % (11 % when PLR is excluded). The union also highlighted that only Caixa Bank met the collective‑bargaining ceiling of distributing 15 % of profits as PLR, with Banco do Brasil close behind at 11 %. Fenaban said it will analyse the proposals and respond in upcoming negotiation rounds.