São Paulo is bracing for a significant disruption in its public transport system as workers from the Companhia Paulista de Trens Metropolitanos (CPTM) plan to go on strike starting at midnight on March 26, 2025. This strike is set to impact the 11-Coral, 12-Safira, and 13-Jade lines, which form a crucial part of the city's railway network.
The Sindicato dos Ferroviários da Central do Brasil, which represents workers on the affected lines, approved the strike during an assembly on March 20. Their decision stems from widespread protests against the privatization of these lines. Workers fear that this shift to private management will lead to job losses, a decline in service quality, and the erosion of labor rights.
The auction for the concession of these lines is scheduled for March 28, adding urgency to the workers' actions. Union members argue, “The privatization may lead to the dismissal of employees, the precariousness of the service and the loss of labor rights.” This grievance reflects a broader concern among transport workers that privatization will undermine their job security and compromise essential services to the public.
Meanwhile, while lines 11-Coral, 12-Safira, and 13-Jade are expected to be greatly affected, lines 7-Rubi and 10-Turquesa will continue to operate as they are represented by a different union that has not opted to join the strike. These operational decisions highlight the complexities within the workforce surrounding the ongoing negotiations and varying interests of different unions.
Statistically, the disruption will be significant. The CPTM's operations serve over 2 million passengers daily, linking key regions of the city and its suburbs. Specifically, in 2024, the 11-Coral line transported an average of 540,000 passengers on business days, while the 12-Safira and 13-Jade lines catered to 260,000 and 30,000 passengers respectively. A halt to services on these lines threatens to overwhelm the alternative transit options, like buses and the São Paulo Metro, especially during peak hours.
Commuters are advised to prepare for the strike by planning alternative routes, as the CPTM has yet to unveil any contingency plans. The transport authority regularly employs such measures during strikes, which involve cross-functional staffing to maintain partial services. However, critics, including the union, warn that these solutions could pose risks to passenger safety.
On the government side, Governor Tarcísio de Freitas stands firm with plans to enhance service quality through private investment. Officials predict that privatization could bring about R$ 14.3 billion in improvements, including reducing train intervals and expanding infrastructure with eight new stations and renovations to 24 existing ones. The government argues that the initiative is in the public interest, citing potential efficiency gains and better service delivery.
However, the union argues that the move could mirror the negative outcomes observed in previously privatized lines like 8-Diamante and 9-Esmeralda, which have faced scrutiny for service quality under private management. An expert involved in transport policy noted, “There is a risk of deteriorating public service and loss of control over an essential system for millions of people.” This ongoing tension between union advocacy for workers and government promises for modernization encapsulates the heart of the current strike debate.
As the strike approaches, it remains uncertain how negotiations might unfold in the days leading up to the planned stoppage. Workers have emphasized their commitment to creating a negotiation committee to advocate for their rights, while also planning a public demonstration on March 25, outside the São Paulo Stock Exchange (B3) to raise visibility for their cause.
In conclusion, the anticipated strike is emblematic of broader conflicts over public transport in São Paulo, where privatization efforts face significant opposition from workers concerned about their future and the quality of service. As planners and authorities coordinate their responses, it is crucial for all stakeholders, especially commuters, to stay informed about the latest developments.
