São Paulo bus strike affects 267,000 passengers in South Zone

Bus drivers in the South Zone of São Paulo initiated a strike on Monday, October 19, affecting approximately 267,000 passengers. The stoppage impacts 34 lines within the D10 lot, while the D11 lot continues to operate normally.

The workers, who previously operated under Transwolff, are protesting alleged labor irregularities. Their primary demands include the regularization of FGTS (Severance Indemnity Fund) and INSS (Social Security) deposits, as well as improvements to benefits such as food vouchers and health insurance.

The City of São Paulo, through SPTrans, has classified the strike as illegal due to the lack of the required 72-hour prior notice for essential services. The municipal government maintains that salaries and benefits are up to date, stating that FGTS and INSS deposits are being made in full via judicial escrow pending court decisions. To mitigate the impact, the city has activated the Emergency Support Plan (Paese) to assist affected lines.