Airline workers block access to Brasília airport

Following the example of what happened at the Santos Dumont Airport in Rio de Janeiro last Monday (Dec 15), airline staff from several parts of the country are staging a demonstration today (Dec 22)—this  this time at the Juscelino Kubitschek Airport, in Brasília. Protesters demand an 11% salary rise. Representatives from the groups of demonstrators claim companies have authorized an increase of no more than 6.33%.

Nearly 300 demonstrators—according to the National Aviation Workers' Union (SNA)—blocked the main road leading to the airport at about 7 a.m. In an attempt to tackle traffic issues, Inframerica—the firm responsible for operating the airport—sent buses to pick up engers wherever the traffic of outside vehicles had been disrupted. At 9 a.m., protesters reached the airport's main hall. Most check-in counters were forced to cease operations.

The National Federation of Civil Aviation Workers (Fentac) announced in a note that companies had refused any pay rise higher than the 6.33% reported in the Broad Consumer Price Index (IPCA) for the period. Other demands include the definition of a starting salary for check-in agents; a daily $6.25 meal voucher for staff working over 6 hours a day, and a $22.71 one for those with more working hours; life insurance totaling $8,000; and education for the workers' children.

The National Trade Union of Air Companies (SNEA) and the Brazilian Association of Air Companies (Abear) have not uttered their opinion yet.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira