São Luís Bus Drivers' Strike Enters Fourth Day Amid Ongoing Dispute
The bus drivers' strike in São Luís, which began on February 17, 2025, reached its fourth day as negotiations between union representatives and the city’s administration continue to stall, affecting over 700,000 daily commuters. With most urban buses remaining idle, the situation has significantly disrupted the routine of countless workers, students, and healthcare patients reliant on public transport.
During the strike's first days, commuters faced decreased transportation options, leading to long waits and unavailable rides. Despite a last-ditch effort for mediation at the Tribunal Regional do Trabalho, the bus drivers, represented by the Sindicato dos Trabalhadores em Transportes Rodoviários do Maranhão (STTREMA), and the regional transportation businesses, represented by the Sindicato das Empresas de Transporte de Passageiros (SET), failed to reach any agreements. A significant point of contention is the workers’ demand for salary increases and enhanced working conditions.
According to the drivers' union, their requests include salary adjustments of 15% for drivers working with conductors and 25% for those taking on dual roles as both drivers and conductors. They also seek meal tickets of R$1,300 and R$1,500, depending on the driver's role, alongside comprehensive health benefits. "The drivers have faced stagnant wages and insufficient working conditions, making this strike unavoidable," stated local sources.
On the public administration side, the city’s mayor, Eduardo Braide, announced emergency measures to alleviate commuting hardships. Starting February 20, the city began registering users for transportation services through ride-hailing apps, offering R$30 vouchers for up to two daily rides per user, affording some respite to passengers caught in the strike's fallout. This subsidy is drawn from the funds originally allocated for the transport companies, which have been unable to service their routes due to the drivers' strike.
Despite these efforts, many found the alternative solutions lacking. Ride-hailing services experienced surges, making it difficult for users to secure affordable rides. Many residents complained of the high costs associated with alternative transport methods, particularly taxis and informal transport services, which have taken advantage of the strike-induced high demand.
The local government has also begun the process to revive semi-urban bus lines, which service regions like Paço do Lumiar and Raposa, highlighting their intention to phase back some kind of public transportation. Partnered with the State and local agencies, state officials are cautiously optimistic about incrementally restoring transportation services.
Meanwhile, the Tribunal has mandated the city submit updated fare remuneration figures to assist in evaluating the collective bargaining status. This determination is expected to play a pivotal role as both parties evaluate future negotiations.
Both commuters and city officials are hopeful for rapid resolution, but the situation remains deeply uncertain as many anticipate prolonged disruption. The absence of concrete forecast addressing when full services may resume leaves users feeling stranded.
Beyond immediate demands, the strike has also drawn attention to long-standing grievances within the transportation system of São Luís, which has seen similar disruptions historically due to unresolved financial and management disputes. The impact of this strike reflects systemic issues affecting public transport viability.
The current scenario reveals the fragility of public transit operations, sharply outlining the necessity for sustainable solutions, such as fair wage policies and the assurance of basic operational standards. Without such intervention, the frequency of these distressing work stoppages could escalate, continuing to hinder the public commuting experience significantly.