As São Paulo prepares for an unprecedented strike, workers from the Companhia Paulista de Trens Metropolitanos (CPTM) are set to halt operations starting at midnight on March 26, 2025, as they protest against the privatization of critical rail lines. This strike is a direct response to the government's plan to auction the lines 11-Coral, 12-Safira, and 13-Jade at the São Paulo Stock Exchange on March 28, 2025.
The decision to strike comes after a decisive assembly held by the Union of Workers in Railway Companies of the Central Zone of Brazil (STEFZCB), where workers expressed their discontent over ongoing privatization efforts threatening their jobs and the quality of public transport services. The workers are demanding the cancellation of the upcoming auction, as they believe privatization will lead to increased costs without equivalent improvements in service.
In the face of significant public concern, the workers aim to halt the auction through their strike and have stated, "Greve até o cancelamento do leilão: só paramos com garantia por escrito de Tarcísio Freitas de que o leilão foi cancelado," emphasizing their resolve to continue striking until they receive written confirmation that the auction is off the table.
The planned strike is expected to disrupt services for nearly 830,000 passengers daily, affecting 30 stations across the São Paulo metropolitan area. The impacted lines, 11-Coral, 12-Safira, and 13-Jade, serve critical routes connecting the city center to regions such as Mogi das Cruzes, Suzano, and Guarulhos.
Fernando Ricardo Santos da Costa, director of STEFZCB, voiced his concerns about the privatization efforts, stating, "Empresas executam lucro, mas não retornam em investimentos à população." He explained that privatized lines in São Paulo have seen issues such as longer waiting times and more frequent service disruptions. He pointed to the experience with line 9, which has faced widespread complaints about delays and service quality since its privatization.
Moreover, the government of São Paulo plans to invest R$ 14.3 billion over the next 25 years for the improvement of these lines, yet past experiences have raised skepticism among both workers and commuters. The union argues that the trend towards privatization risks repeating the mistakes witnessed with previously privatized lines, such as the lines managed by Via Mobilidade which have been subject to investigations due to continued operational failures.
Workers assert that these changes could drastically affect the lives of tens of thousands who rely on the CPTM for daily commutes. Many citizens have expressed their dissatisfaction with the deteriorating service levels since previous privatizations and are concerned for their future transportation options. With more than 4.6 million residents living in regions served by the lines under threat, the implications of this strike and the associated privatization could stretch far beyond just the workers involved.
As the union rallies support and prepares for the indefinite strike, surrounding communities are also coming together, echoing the workers' demands for a reliable and equitable public transportation system. On the morning of March 25, demonstrators gathered in front of the São Paulo Stock Exchange to voice their opposition to the auction and advocate for the rights of public transport workers.
While the STFZCB has gained support from various local groups and political parties, the strike's impact is still being assessed. It aims to maintain public awareness of the potential inconveniences and threats posed by privatizing essential services.
The upcoming assembly on March 25 also holds importance, as it will confirm the final decision regarding the strike action and coordinate responses to the government’s concessions. If passed, the strike promises to escalate into a broader movement aimed at preserving public investment in public services rather than yielding to privatization models that favor profit over civic responsibility.
The plight of the workers at CPTM also serves as a reminder of the ongoing debates surrounding privatization in various sectors, highlighting the importance of maintaining accessible services for all community members. As the government pushes ahead with its auction plans, the voices of the railway workers and their supporters remain resolute, emphasizing their commitment to fighting for a publicly governed rail system that prioritizes service over profit.
Ultimately, the outcome of this labor dispute will hinge not just on the decisions made within the assembly, but the responsiveness of the government to the concerns raised by its workers and community stakeholders. As São Paulo stands in anticipation, the implications of this strike resonate with issues of public transport and labor rights, drawing critical attention to the role of government in providing essential services.
