Brazilian bus drivers' strike postponed in Rio Grande do Norte as tensions rise in Rio

Intermunicipal bus services in Rio Grande do Norte will operate normally after the regional drivers' union, Sintro‑RN, postponed a planned strike. The union announced the one‑week suspension following payment of food vouchers by Grupo Trampolim and an agreement in principle to sign a collective bargaining contract, though some legal wording still requires adjustment. "Permitindo a conclusão das tratativas em andamento," Sintro‑RN said.

In Rio de Janeiro, around 500 bus drivers voted to enter a state of strike on Wednesday after rejecting a 4.39% wage proposal from the employer group Rio Ônibus. The union demanded higher raises, a shift of the salary base date, higher minimum wages, end of temporary contracts and better health benefits. "Queremos apenas o que nos é de direito," union president Sebastião José told reporters, warning that a full strike could follow if negotiations stall.

Both disputes highlight ongoing labor tensions in Brazil’s urban transport sector, affecting commuters and prompting negotiations with municipal authorities and transport companies.