Sinpro Minas reports harassment during private school teacher strike

Teachers at private schools in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, have launched an indefinite strike following the rejection of a proposal by the Private School Union (Sinepe-MG) to split the Collective Labor Agreement between basic and higher education starting in 2027.

The Teachers' Union of Minas Gerais (Sinpro Minas) has reported instances of harassment and intimidation by school administrations attempting to prevent participation in the strike. Allegations include schools requiring teachers to individually disclose their intent to strike and the use of interns or monitors to cover classrooms. Sinpro Minas is preparing a formal complaint to the Public Ministry of Labor (MPT) and has notified institutions regarding the constitutionality of the strike.

In response, Sinepe-MG denied any harassment, stating that schools must organize to inform families and students. The entity has also filed a lawsuit in the Regional Labor Court, claiming the strike is “abusiva e ilegal” (abusive and illegal).