Manaus bus drivers secure 4.1% wage deal, avoiding planned strike

Bus drivers in Manaus, represented by the Sindicato dos Trabalhadores em Transportes Coletivo Urbano e Rodoviários (STTRM), had demanded a 12% salary increase. Companies, through the Sindicato das Empresas de Transporte de Passageiros do Estado do Amazonas (Sinetram), offered a correction of 4.11% (later reported as 4.1%).

Negotiations on May 20 ended without agreement, prompting the union to confirm a threatened strike for May 22 that could disrupt service for thousands of passengers. The Regional Labor Court had ordered minimum service levels and threatened fines for non‑compliance.

On the night of May 21, a mediated agreement was reached. The deal includes a 4.1% wage increase, a guarantee that no conductors will be dismissed, and a 35% bonus rise for driver‑conductors (from R$600 to R$800). STTRM president Givancir Oliveira said, “Não foi o reajuste que queríamos, mas entendemos que saímos vitoriosos na negociação.” The strike was therefore averted.