On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, bus drivers in Campinas staged a significant work stoppage to mark the beginning of the trial for those accused of murdering their former union leader, Nilton Aparecido de Maria. The action, organized by the Sindicato dos Rodoviários, was a poignant reminder of the violence that has plagued the transport sector in recent years. Despite the strike, at least 30% of the bus fleet managed to operate, as required by Brazilian labor laws during such actions.
The protest saw buses remaining in garages until 5:35 AM, creating a partial interruption of service during the morning rush hour. The 'Corujão' service lines, which cater to early morning commuters, continued to run normally until 6 AM, as confirmed by the Empresa Municipal de Desenvolvimento de Campinas (Emdec). To mitigate the impact on the public, Emdec activated the PAESE (Support Plan between Transport Companies in Emergency Situations), deploying alternative vehicles to key routes and ensuring mobility agents monitored the situation throughout the morning.
Nilton de Maria was tragically shot in the back of the head on January 22, 2022, as he left his home with his wife. The couple was approached by two men in a red Fiat Punto, who announced a robbery. However, nothing was taken, and Nilton was fatally shot. The crime was classified as an execution from the outset, and the car used in the crime was discovered burned the day after the incident in Residencial Novo Mundo.
Investigations revealed that the murder was allegedly orchestrated by members of an opposing slate within the Sindicato dos Rodoviários. According to the Public Ministry, Izael Soares de Almeida was the mastermind behind the plot, while Anderson Caminoto da Silva participated in the planning. Jefferson Cardoso de Oliveira was hired to carry out the murder, and Paulo César Corrêa served as the getaway driver. The crime was said to have cost R$ 5,000, a staggering amount for such a heinous act.
Since Nilton's death, there has been significant unrest among bus drivers and workers in the sector. His murder sparked widespread outrage, leading to protests and work stoppages in Campinas, Valinhos, and Paulínia. On the day of his funeral, public transport services were halted for nearly four hours, demonstrating the deep impact his death had on the community.
The trial that commenced on this day is crucial for many in the transport sector, as it represents a call for justice and accountability. The Sindicato dos Rodoviários emphasized that the work stoppage was not related to salary negotiations or demands for better working conditions but was purely a response to the ongoing struggle for justice for Nilton.
As the trial unfolds, the community remains on edge, hoping for a resolution that brings closure to a painful chapter in their history. The transport sector has been a critical part of Campinas, connecting residents and facilitating daily life, but the shadow of violence has raised concerns about safety and security for workers.
The impact of the stoppage was felt throughout the city, with many commuters left scrambling to find alternative transportation. Emdec's emergency measures aimed to minimize disruption, but the reality is that any form of protest can significantly affect the daily lives of thousands. The mobilization of drivers serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing issues within the sector and the need for accountability.
As the court proceedings continue, the focus will be not only on the individuals accused of the crime but also on the broader implications for labor rights and safety in the transport industry. The community's demand for justice reflects a larger narrative about the struggles faced by workers in Brazil, where violence against union leaders and activists has become a pressing concern.
In the wake of Nilton's assassination, the Sindicato dos Rodoviários has been vocal about the need for safer working conditions and the protection of union leaders. The trial is a pivotal moment that could influence future actions and policies regarding labor rights in Brazil.
The situation in Campinas is a microcosm of the challenges faced by workers across the country. As they rally for justice, the solidarity among bus drivers and their supporters highlights the importance of standing together in the face of adversity. The upcoming days will be critical, as the community watches closely to see how the judicial system responds to the heinous act that took a beloved leader from them.
Ultimately, the outcome of this trial will not only affect those directly involved but will resonate throughout the labor movement in Brazil. As the bus drivers of Campinas take a stand for justice, they embody the resilience and determination of workers everywhere who seek to ensure their voices are heard and their rights protected.
