Wellington Damasceno, new head of Brazil's ABC Metalworkers Union, vows to end 6‑day work scale

Wellington Damasceno was elected president of the Sindicato dos Metalúrgicos do ABC with 97.47% of the vote, becoming the 15th leader of the union that represents about 74,000 metalworkers in São Paulo. He said his mandate will keep a close link with the shop‑floor, prioritize reindustrialisation and address new technologies such as artificial intelligence, while defending workers’ rights and jobs.

Damasceno criticised the National Congress for resisting the proposal to end the 6 × 1 work schedule and urged popular pressure to push the Senate forward. He noted recent gains such as an expanded income‑tax exemption and the advancement of a reduced‑work‑hour agenda, arguing that the metalworkers’ experience shows a 40‑hour week is economically viable and improves productivity and safety. "Popular pressure was fundamental and will be needed again," he said.

He also highlighted the need for continuous dialogue with employers, diplomats and political authorities, and promised the union will act against anti‑union practices while supporting collective bargaining.