On March 21, 2025, railway workers from the Companhia Paulista de Trens Metropolitanos (CPTM) announced a strike set to begin at midnight on March 26. This decision follows an assembly held on the evening of March 20 and is primarily a protest against the privatization of Lines 11-Coral, 12-Safira, and 13-Jade.
The Governor of São Paulo, Tarcísio de Freitas, is scheduled to auction these lines just two days after the strike begins, set for March 28. This auction, part of the Lote Alto Tietê project, forecasts an investment of R$ 14.3 billion over the next 25 years, aimed at improving infrastructure and operational efficiency.
During the assembly, union members expressed their determination to halt the auction of these lines, underscoring their demand with a strong statement: “Greve até o cancelamento do leilão: só paramos com garantia por escrito de Tarcísio Freitas de que o leilão foi cancelado,” demanding written guarantees of the auction's cancellation.
The lines targeted for privatization are essential for commuters as they connect the central region of São Paulo to the East Zone and municipalities such as Mogi das Cruzes, Suzano, and Guarulhos. Over 4.6 million people reside in regions served by these train lines, and any disruption in service could have significant repercussions on their daily commute.
In addition to the strike, union members will hold a public demonstration on March 25, at 9 a.m., in front of the B3 stock exchange in downtown São Paulo to further their visibility and protest against the privatization. They intend to disrupt service not only on the three lines slated for auction but also on Lines 7-Rubi and 10-Turquesa.
Moreover, the government projects that privatization will lead to the construction of eight new stations and renovations of 24 existing stations. They promise enhancements in safety and service operational efficiency, including the elimination of level crossings, to be replaced by walkways or viaducts.
This privatization plan is not without controversy, as the unions represent a significant voice of dissent among the workers. Many fear that the shift to private management will prioritize profits over service quality, potentially compromising job security and undermining public transportation access for many residents.
Lines 8-Diamante and 9-Esmeralda, which are currently under private operation, have also been scrutinized due to previous service failures and accidents, raising concerns about the capabilities of private companies to manage public transport effectively.
The implications of this strike and the anticipated auction cannot be overstated. As metropolitan areas continue to expand, the balance between public control and private management of essential services remains a critical and contentious issue. The outcome of the ongoing negotiations and subsequent public actions will set a precedent for labor movement responses in other sectors in Brazil.
Overall, the CPTM railway workers are gearing up for what could be a massive disruption in service, highlighting the ongoing struggle of workers advocating for their rights and the effectiveness of public transport in a rapidly changing economic landscape. Observers will be watching closely as the events unfold in the coming days, especially the reactions from both the government and private investors involved in this pivotal transportation project.
