Bus drivers representing various transportation companies serving the Metropolitan Region of Porto Alegre began their strike on Monday morning, June 16, 2024, significantly disrupting public transport. This labor action stemmed from the drivers' demands for salary adjustments, which they believe should have been honored by their specified negotiation date of June 2024, according to their union, the Sindicato dos Trabalhadores Rodoviários de Guaíba (STTRG).
The strike affected several municipalities, including Canoas, Camaquã, Gravataí, Guaíba, Cachoeirinha, Alvorada, Eldorado do Sul, and Viamão, leaving many passengers without viable means of transportation. Reports indicated a chaotic cancellation of services, with public transport severely limited as only 10 out of 80 buses were operational at company Soul and merely two buses at Transcal, primarily due to their contract obligations with the Salgado Filho International Airport.
According to Metroplan, the state foundation responsible for planning metropolitan transport, this strike has had catastrophic effects, with estimates indicating around 100,000 commuters were affected. Many were forced to seek alternatives such as taxis and rideshares, which saw increased demand leading to long wait times and fare hikes.
Representatives from the STTRG expressed frustration over the lack of effective communication and negotiation. A director from the union stated, "Há um jogo de empurra entre o setor patronal e o governo do estado, deixando os trabalhadores sem respostas concretas para suas reivindicações," referring to the blamed indecision between the employers and state government for the persistent wage issues.
Real-life experiences of stranded passengers painted a dire picture of the situation. Travelers described waiting for hours at bus stops with minimal information about when or if buses would run. For example, many waited at bus lines only to learn the services were completely halted. Local reports confirmed lines forming at the alternative catamaran transport service, with the 7:20 AM sailing selling out of tickets by 6:35 AM, forcing those on foot to reconsider their travel plans.
While municipal public buses continued to operate within city limits, the major intercity lines were heavily impacted. The union appeared willing to negotiate, noting they would meet with company representatives originally scheduled for the coming Thursday, but discussions might occur earlier due to the urgency of resolving the strike. Passengers and transport officials anxiously awaited the outcome.
On airwaves during the Gaúcha Atualidade program, STTRG's legal advisor, João Batista Wolff Gonçalves Oliveira, affirmed the legitimacy of the drivers’ grievances, stating, "O trabalhador não está aqui atrás de subsídio, o trabalhador está aqui atrás de do seu reajuste salário, simplesmente assim." His remarks solidified the immediate need for resolution and highlighted the impact on daily commuting routines.
Meanwhile, Metroplan’s superintendant Francisco Hörbe reassured citizens by stating, "Eu quero garantir, e tranquilizar, que o governo do Estado está fazendo a sua parte..." indicating progress on negotiations to resolve the salary discussions positively by year-end. He emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring budgetary resources are allocated as needed to maintain operational stability for the transport sector.
The situation remains uncertain as workers demonstrated willingness to continue their action if their demands are unmet, setting the stage for potential renewed strikes if substantive discussions fail to bear fruit. Further developments are likely to occur throughout the week as both union representatives and transportation officials work toward achievable resolutions.
With the strike and its ensuing chaos, one thing has become abundantly clear: the livelihoods of many depend on swift solutions to improve public transport and address the core disputes surrounding worker compensation. Only time will tell if the voices of the drivers will be heard loudly enough to prompt the necessary changes. Without immediate action, this public transport crisis may well escalate before it resolves.
