International Journal of SindMetal SJC

FIRST HALF 2014

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF

SindMetalSJC THE METALWORKERS UNION OF SÃO JOSÉ DOS CAMPOS AND REGION (SÃO PAULO - BRAZIL).

Sindicato dos Metalúrgicos de São José dos Campos e Região

SindMetalSJC - 1

Contents Introduction

03

The crisis and the workers’ resistance

04

International solidarity is an essential tool for workers The Dilma and Lula governments

07 08

The preferential option for the wealthy people

10

Brazil takes to the streets

11

The workers claims

13

World Cup imposes sacrifices to Brazilian people

Brazilian trade union movement is reorganized

16

The differential of CSP-Conlutas: to unite workers and popular movement

17

Movement ‘Women in Struggle’ fights against oppression

19

Solidarity Network

20

Automakers workers will hold an international conference in 2015

21

The defense of metalworkers and the entire class

22

Inside the SindMetalSJC

23

14

Produced by Department of Communication of Metalworkers Union of São José dos Campos and Region (SP, Brazil).

Texts: Rodrigo Correia and Shirley Rodrigues Translate: Wilma Olmo Photos: Union archive Desktop Publishing: Rodrigo Correia and Bruno Galvão Supervision: Herbert Claros da Silva

2 - International Journal

Introduction

T

he workers’ struggle is international. In different ways, the exploitation that working class faces in Brazil is similar to the experience of American, European and Asian comrades... Being within a system that sees profit above life, we are all in the field of the exploited ones.

Over recent years, the Capitalism has been attacking the workers rights of, forcing them to pay for a crisis they have not created. Thus, governments impose

reduction of wages, pension’s reductions, benefits cutting, unemployment, tax increases and other attacks against the working class.

While suffering so many attacks, workers from different parts of the world fight in order to resist.

International solidarity, in this case, is a key determinant to strengthen our ‘front’ in defense of better living conditions for the working class throughout the world.

This internationalist

vision embedded in the profiles of the Metalworkers Union of São José dos Campos (São Paulo, Brazil), an institution just about to celebrate its 60th anniversary, as well as in the profiles of CSPConlutas, a popular union federation established in recent years to be a tool in defense of the Brazilian working class claims.

In our country, we experienced last year an explosion of demonstrations that demanded a better living

standards for workers.

Our Trade Union and the CSP-Conlutas that have always been in the struggles, participated actively in the demonstrations. We believe that the working class has a vital role to play in search of the changes we desire.

Therefore, we need to continue to join our forces, we must continue to grow and to mobilize. In Brazil and throughout the world!

SindMetalSJC - 3

World

e of jobs hav 30 millions wide since orld been lost w n, according ega the crisis b ILO tes by the a m ti s to e nal Labor (Internatio on).

Organizati

The crisis and the workers’ resistance 4 - International Journal

Capitalism is a system which is marked by recurrent crises. What has been happening as from 2008, however, can only be compared to the great crisis of 1929, when the Stock Exchange of New York collapsed.

The overproduction phenomenon, the real estate market bubble, the financial pyramid breakdown and the breaking of big banks, a series of events has led to the crisis which burst in 2008, having its epicenter in the United States, and that, until today, has been

hitting the world.

The economy recession has hit a great part of the planet and the governments, as usual, rushed to save banks and large companies. Trillions of dollars of public money have been spent for this purpose.

The remedy to save capitalist from the crisis that they themselves have created has been bitter only for the workers having in view the harsh assault on wages and rights, unemployment and budget cuts, especially in social areas.

Resistance The consequences of the crisis mean enormous attacks on the working class, whether in the United States, Europe or elsewhere around the globe.

On the European continent, by the way, we could observe the workers huge resistance, victims of evil plans of indebted governments thanks to the banks bailout.

The rationale that the capitalists’ “loss� needs to be socialized is cruel.

In Europe, the number of unemployed people hit

records since one fourth of young people is unemployed.

Large demonstrations were carried out in countries like Spain, Italy, Germany, Portugal and Greece to say NO to the austerity plans that stifle the workers.

The 14-N, held on November 14, 2012, for example, brought together 23 countries of the continent in a general strike against the plans imposed by the troika (European Central Bank, International Monetary Fund and European Commission).

Demonstrations in Spain and Portugal: young people and workers repudiate the imposition of austerity packages

SindMetalSJC - 5

Occupy Wall Street In the United States, an astonishing movement arose in 2011 against social inequality, greed, corruption and the power of corporate influence - particularly in the financial sector - in the country government.

From New York, spreading out to many cities and even abroad, the Occupy Wall Street brought thousands of young people in camps and marches in the streets with the slogan “We are the 99%”.

The sentence refers to the horrible income concentration which causes the wealth and power to remain in the hands of only 1% of the population. The 99% therefore, are the young people and the workers looking for changing the dividing up of the cake in a fair way.

One of the protesters’ biggest claims, those protesters attending large concentrations, was precisely the job which has been the target of the global economic crisis effects.

Struggle for democracy In the recent history, it draws attention the popular mobilizations that changed the course of one of the most complex regions of the planet, the Middle East.

Governed by military, civilian and monarchical dictatorships, countries in this region have become a stage for popular uprisings struggling for democracy, against poverty and corruption.

Weary, the people took to the streets to ask the overthrow of such dictators. The protesters’ victory worked like a “domino effect” and caused the outbreak of demonstrations in other countries.

The so-called “Arab Spring” was a milestone, but the struggle goes on to make the changes that people want.

6 - International Journal

Occupy Wall Street protests have spread fast in the United States: critique of social inequality

International solidarity is an essential tool for workers To tackle attacks suffered by the working class worldwide, more than ever before, it is necessary that organizations representing different countries make their relations as closer as possible.

International solidarity is a powerful tool to stop the attacks of governments and large private corporations.

Capitalist exploitation has intensified. Large companies no longer see frontiers when it comes

to extracting the greatest profit possible by paying the lowest wages and production costs.

Thus, it has been routine for workers to face blackmails at the negotiating tables, “if you do not accept the rights reduction, jobs are going to another country where cost is cheaper “.

We must not fall in such a trap and enable the splitting of our class. Therefore, international solidarity is essential.

Activity carried out on the Day of Global Action against GM Attacks, in January 2013, in the company’s plant in Sao Jose dos Campos

Thousands of people demand the downfall of dictator Hosni Mubarak, in 2011, in Tahrir Square, one of the greatest symbols of the Arab Spring

SindMetalSJC - 7

Brazil

The Dilma and Lula governments The PT (Workers Party) has been in the Brazilian government command since 2003.

With Lula and Dilma, the party which fostered great struggles in defense of workers and against the military dictatorship in the 1980s finally came into power.

What has happened, unfortunately, was not the changing most of the working class had expected.

Upon taking office in January 2003, Lula already signaled that he would not break with the neoliberal shackles of its predecessor and appointed a Banker as the Economy Minister.

It was just the first sign.

Many subsequent events confirmed the PT changing of directions.

It is correct to state that during Lula and Dilma governments some paternalist policies helped the most wretched segments of

8 - International Journal

ar the first ye In 2003, in la u L rnment, of his gove ial Security Soc d imposed a ich attacke Reform wh ral e d ghts of fe historical ri ts. civil servan

e of the Brazil is on est ith the high countries w ality in the u social ineq e distance th re e h w , d worl lowest and e th between country lary in the a s t s e h ig h 0 times. lmost 2,00 reaches a

the um wage in The minim und US$ 350 aro country is ulation of the pop d ir th and a zilian only. A Bra lives with it tes that the Institute sta should be age minimum w s higher. e m ti e thre

Brazilian population.

The core of the problem, however, has not been changed: the terrible social inequality existing in Brazil, where only 5,000 families are the owners of 45% of all the national wealth and income. It is worth remembering that we have in the country more than 51 million of families.

Debt Other important fact: almost half of the Brazilian budget goes to the payment of interest and amortization of public debt. Only in 2014, around 1 trillion Reais (R$) - (something like 500 billion dollars) will be allocated for this purpose.

Meanwhile, the PT government allocates for health and education only 3% and 4% of the federal budget.

The current president Dilma Rousseff, who took office in 2011, and former President Luiz Inacio Lula Silva, in power as from 2003 up to 2010

SindMetalSJC - 9

The preferential option for the wealthy people President Dilma government designates billions of Reais(R$) in tax exemptions to entrepreneurs and, for such, it let social areas without the necessary assistance

Broadly speaking, Lula and Dilma governments continued to rule in favor of the wealthiest section of the population.

A fundamental part of the PT economic policy is based on the granting of billions of Reais (R$) in tax benefits to entrepreneurs, withdrawing money from the social areas.

This measure has been carried out without establishing any compensation, such as ensuring the workers employment. In January, for example, General Motors, one of those companies benefited by the government policy, laid off 700 employees in São José dos Campos.

In 2013, Dilma Rousseff’s government gave away R$ 25 billion of taxes that should be charged to the companies.

Meanwhile, the Federal

10 - International Journal

Government increases the Income Tax (deducted directly from wages in the payroll) paid by workers. In addition to that the retirees received a readjustment in their benefits smaller than the official inflation.

Privatizations Breaking up with the campaign promises, Dilma government has intensified the delivery of the national wealth and properties to the private capital.

The privatization of ports, airports, highways and oil fields were numerous.

On October 21, 2013, Dilma auctioned the ‘Libra’ mega oil field, the largest oil reserve ever found in the country.

It was sold to foreign groups for 7 billion dollars, although its actual value exceeds the 1.5 trillion dollars.

Corruption The Workers Party (PT) in power was responsible for one of the largest corruption schemes in Brazil. The so-called “Mensalão” consisted of the payment of “allowances” (bribes) to parliamentarians so that they approve issues of the government interest. In November, historical former leaders of the party as Jose Dirceu and Jose Genoino, were arrested.

Before taking office, the PT enjoyed its label which was the “party of ethics” but this was lost upon arriving in Brasilia. Thus, the party perpetrated the same practices of political parties such as PSDB (of the former president Fernando Henrique Cardoso), PMDB and others.

Mobilization

Brazil takes to the streets More than one million people participate in a protest march in downtown Rio de Janeiro, on June 20, 2013

Millions protest for health and education and against corruption

SindMetalSJC - 11

Thousands of people protest in Sao Paulo; on the poster it is read: “We want schools and hospitals with FIFA’s standart” in reference to the World Cup

In 2013, Brazil underwent a historic year. A huge wave of protests took over the country, as it had not seen since the mobilizations to overthrow the corrupt President Fernando Collor de Mello, more than 20 years ago.

The demonstrations were attended by millions of people, from north to south of the country.

Protests have taken over cities ranging from big ones like Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Salvador, Recife and Porto Alegre, up to municipalities with few inhabitants that participated for the first time, of the

12 - International Journal

right to protest.

Politicians on high alert Started in June by the youth that called for the repeal of the increase in bus fares the demonstrations have become a big wakeup call to the rulers.

Politicians were “hypnotized” unknowingly what to do, watching the masses in the streets demanding a different Brazil.

President Dilma was given a loud hoot at the opening of the Confederations Cup. In the country of football, Brazilian people have protested against the

excessive spending on the World Cup and demanded improvements in public services such as health and education.

The rejection towards corruption which contaminates the governments was also a constant subject in the protests.

Working class The workers, who, at the beginning, attended the mega protests individually, decided to join the wave of protests in an organized way as a social class.

Therefore, the working class stopped the machines, made stoppages

and demanded changes in Dilma government’s economic policy, in July 11 and August 30, the national days of mobilization.

The demonstrations gathered together metalworkers, chemical workers, oil tankers, teachers, post office workers and other categories.

In those days of struggle, the Metalworkers Union of São José dos Campos organized strikes, delays in the production starting and even blockage of the main highway, President Dutra highway which links the towns of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Metalworkers of region participate in mobilization in July 2013

uge After the h al ns, municip mobilizatio around the nts governme re forced to w country e s. fares’ price reduce the ters said, The protes was at the fight th r, e v e w o h nies only not for pen

The workers claims End of the social security factor, which reduces retirement’s amounts

For the freezing of food prices and public utility fares.

General wage increase

No to the privatization of public properties and services.

End of auction of oil reserves.

Reduction of the working day without reduction of pay

10% of GDP to public education

No to the payment of the foreign and domestic debt to the bankers

The filing of the bill 4330, which expands the outsourcing

10% of the budget for public health

Equal pay for equal work

No more public resources for businesses

Land reform Against every form of discrimination and oppression

SindMetalSJC - 13

In focus

World Cup imposes sacrifices to Brazilian people The 2014 World Cup is far from being only joy for Brazilian people. Since it was chosen as the host country of the World Cup, Brazil has become a “minefield� for the poor people.

Despite being a country with severe social problems such as health, education and poor housing, the federal government has spent nearly R$ 20 billion with the World Cup. Only the stadiums have cost the country R$ 8 billion. After the tournament, many arenas will have almost no use, since in

14 - International Journal

some parts of the country, soccer teams do not draw the public interest to watch their matches.

Meanwhile, Brazilians continue with low social indicators. Brazil is, for example, ranked the eighth in the world ranking of illiteracy for youth and adults, according to UNESCO. There are 13.2 million illiterates aged 15 years old or older.

Population health is also treated with contempt.

Around 100 million people have no access to sewage collection and treatment services, which leads to

serious health problems, especially among children.

Housing As if the excessive use of public money for the World Cup hosting was not enough, the FIFA requirements led to a harsh program of homes removals.

According to the National Coordination of Popular Committees for the World Cup, 250 000 people were or will be evicted from their homes all over Brazil to make room for the world event construction.

The indemnity given by the government is gener-

nt leaders Governme sinessmen and big bu of the make use ion eople pass p n ia il z ra B to charge for soccer ly for the excessive works World Cup

ally far below the market value. This measure will further increase the housing deficit in the country, which already amounts to 5.24 million of households (number of real estate that should be built to shelter all Brazilians who do not have their own house yet).

In the larger picture, protest in a stadium in Brasilia during the Confederations Cup in 2013. Beside, protest against Fifa and the crane fall in a stadium in Sao Paulo, which killed two workers

Demonstrations and crackdown The social consequences of the World Cup led thousands of people to the streets to protest against the holding of the event in Brazil. Since June 2013, the people have been carrying out protests, especially in the cities that will host the matches.

In all demonstrations, there has been police repression. With tear gas, batons and guns, the soldiers have a commandment to confront the protesters.

Hundreds of people have already been arrested during the protests.

Everything indicates that the scenario is expected to worsen even further as of April 2014, if it is approved the anti-terrorism law, which provides for up to 30 years in prison for causing “terror or widespread panic” during the World Cup. It is a direct message to anyone wishing to protest before or during the matches.

Workers die in the works The construction of stadiums for the World Cup has already killed seven Brazilian workers.

The accidents are the result of lack of supervision and unsafe conditions imposed on workers by contractors.

The low wages and the appalling working conditions have also led to workers’ strikes. In most of the World Cup works there have already been stoppages. In the Maracanã Stadium (Rio de Janeiro), the country’s main stadium, it has already happened at least 24 days of workers’ mobilization.

SindMetalSJC - 15

Trade union organization

Brazilian trade union movement is reorganized The election of the charismatic former union leader Lula to the Presidency resulted in profound changes in the Brazilian trade union movement.

Certainly the major one, is the CUT accession (Central Workers) to a shameless way of governing.

As the PT trade union armrest, the largest Brazilian central workers started to support measures that they used to fight against previously, measures that penalize the worker.

It has been high the

embarrassment for the CUT members in face of events such as the social security reform for civil service employees, the increase of the interest payment to the international banks and the privatization of the pre-salt fields.

In the case of “Mensalão”, a corruption scheme that marked Lula’s government, there were all kinds of manipulation to defend government important members and PT historical characters.

Moreover, as part of the strategy of co-opting

those who had not yet been with the government, there was a plentiful distribution of positions to trade union leaders, who left their rank and files to work in government departments.

Exiting the CUT CUT could no longer be considered a tool at the service of workers’ struggles. Therefore, several unions left the central trade union.

One of the CUT founders, in the 80s, our Trade Union made this decision

in 2004. In a historic meeting, the members decided that central trade union was no longer able to represent us.

Therefore, new organizations have emerged seeking to fill out the vacuum left by the United Workers Center.

The CSP-Conlutas emerged as a central trade unionist and popular - at the service of the workers and the poorest people demands. Among its main features, the independence from the bosses and the government.

CUT - BEFORE AND AFTER 1983

FOUNDATION OF CUT: INDEPENDENT OF BOSSES AND GOVERNMENTS; CENTRAL IS AN UNCOMPROMISING DEFENDER OF THE WORKING CLASS

16 - International Journal

2013

CUT MEMBER DELIVERS TO THE MINISTER GILBERTO CARVALHO, OF DILMA’S GOVERNMENT, THE ‘ACE’ PROPOSAL (SPECIAL COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT) THAT ALLOWS THE TRADE UNIONS TO SIGN LABOR AGREEMENTS TERMS THAT OFFER THE WORKERS LESS THAN WHAT IS AREADY LEGISLATED

‘Pinheirinho’, until then the largest urban occupation of the country

The differential of CSP-Conlutas: to unite workers and popular movement The CSP-Conlutas was founded in the Working Class (Conclat) National Congress held in the city of Santos, São Paulo, on the 5th and the 6th of June 2010.

The new trade union confederation teamed up the experiences of trade union and popular organizations grouped in quite distinct movements. The majority of rank and file

members came from Conlutas (National Coordination of Struggles), which had been organized since 2004.

Trade union and popular The CSP-Conlutas is a trade union and popular central which brings together unions, trade union oppositions and popular movements such as the movements struggling for land and housing.

The trade union federation was born aggregating also the youth organizations and the organization of fight against oppression and those who were willing to be unified under the flag of a common program defending the interests of the working class and against the capitalist exploitation and oppression.

This is an innovative experience in organizing our class in Brazil: a union within the same national entity, of labor movements, popular movements, youth movements and movements fighting against the oppression of women, blacks, homosexuals and other segments.

The CSP- Conlutas supported the urban occupation ‘Pinheirinho’, in Sao Jose dos Campos, that resisted for eight years, but was violently attacked by

an eviction notice in 2012.

Today we support several occupations in Brazil.

Independent from bosses and governments The CSP-Conlutas defends the autonomy and independence from governments and bosses.

Moreover, defends the direct mobilization and the workers’ democracy.

Internationalism The international solidarity among workers is part of the union central program. It is a permanent goal to be pursued.

The liberation of the working class from all forms of oppression and exploitation is a task which cannot be limited to the borders of a country, but must be built internationally.

SindMetalSJC - 17

Option for the workers’ democracy

March in Brasilia calls for changes in the government economic policy (2013)

Protest on International Worker´s Day, May, 1st (2013)

In the Conclat held in Santos, CSP-Conlutas was born (2010) 18 - International Journal

The functioning of the CSP-Conlutas seeks to ensure the exercise of workers’ democracy, with a rich and healthy internal debate and respect for the existing political diversity within it.

The decisions of the entity’s policies seek to be based on the broad participation of the affiliated entities and organizations, which enjoy of political, organizational and financial autonomy towards the Central.

Accordingly, also a diverse experience in relation to other trade union confederations, the CSP-Conlutas has a Direction structure organized in a horizontal way, with the participation of all affiliated entities in its “National Coordination”, which meets every other month.

“We seek to flee from the summit direction models used by other trade union confederations, because this is a source of accommodation and bureaucratization of the leaders”, says the Trade Union Confederation member and director of our Trade Union, Luiz Carlos Prates.

The posts on the National Executive Secretary of the entity are revocable at any time.

The representatives are appointed by the entities in which they work and can be replaced by sovereign decision of these same entities.

Other fact: the proportionality in choosing the members of all bodies is ensured within the union central Staff Regulations, its

By Laws.

, omen earn Brazilian w 73.6% e, on averag s of men, e of the wag to what according y sed in earl was disclo nt governme 2014 by a gency research a

National Meeting brings together 2000 women in defense of their rights (2013)

Movement ‘Women in Struggle’ fights against oppression Within CSP-Conlutas, there is the Movement Women in Struggle (MML), which made history in 2013 with the carrying out of the largest classistwomen event in recent years.

The 1st National Meeting of the MML gathered together 2,300 female workers, students, retirees and unemployed from all regions of the country. The activity represented a great leap forward in the organization and struggle against

gender oppression and exploitation.

The event took place in Minas Gerais, with participation of female workers: metalworkers, oil workers, banking workers, Postal workers, teachers and companions of other categories.

Fight against oppression The MML raises the flag against discrimination and oppression suffered by women in the labor market.

A survey released in the end of January 2014, showed that Brazilian female workers earn slightly more than half of men’s wages.

Moreover, within the companies, women are the main victims of moral harassment and sexual harassment.

They also suffer the effects of a male-dominated society, with a triple working day (work in the company, take care of home and children). In Brazil,

there is a huge deficit of creches to ensure that workers can leave their children.

Fighting violence A further fight of MML is against violence. Brazilian women are frequent victims of attacks, in most caused by their own partners.

The national meeting held in Minas Gerais, also approved the opening of a National Campaign Against Violence to Women.

SindMetalSJC - 19

Solidarity Network

The International Meeting of Alternative Trade Unionism, held in Paris in March 2013, represented a major step forward in the organization of workers and trade unions from different parts of the world. It was after this meeting that it was constituted the International Trade Union Network for Solidarity and Fights consisting of union, student and popular organizations in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas.

The Network arose from the need to get closer and to unify the workers and popular struggles against the attacks of governments and bosses that spread throughout the world. The Network activities are of combative and internationalist character aiming at strengthening the working class in the struggle against capital and governments.

The Meeting in Paris was built with the aim of consolidating an interna-

tional unity against imperialist plans and the Solidarity Network came up as a tool to achieve this unity.

The event had representatives of workers from 22 countries: Brazil, France, Spain (with representation of Catalu単a, Galicia and the Basque Country), Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, UK, Turkey, Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Haiti, Canada, Indonesia and Benin.

The connected network The struggles and activities of the world working class can be followed over the International Trade Union Solidarity Network site. The disclosure of these actions is essential for the Network to gain more room and to expand to other organizations and countries.

Access: www.laboursolidarityandstruggle.org.

20 - International Journal

Automakers workers will hold an international conference in 2015 Trade union organizations of several countries have already been preparing the International Conference of Automobile Industry Workers, which should take place in 2015, in Germany.

The event aims to strengthen the movement of workers in the automotive sector independently of employers and governments.

The holding of the conference was one of the resolutions of the 7th Council of Workers of the Automobile Industry, held in May 2012 in Munich, in which

the Metalworkers Union of SĂŁo JosĂŠ dos Campos participated actively.

The council defends the international solidarity and the unity of the labor movement in the struggle against capital and multinationals.

It also advocates the fight against austerity measures adopted by governments, which penalize the working class.

At the council it was further defined the autoworkers international coordination to fuel the struggles solidarity and a

more organized and united trade union work. Attended the council representatives from 20 countries, including Brazil, USA, France, Spain, Korea, Turkey and South Africa.

The full resolution of the 7th Council of autoworkers can be accessed on the sites www.iaar.de and www.sindmetalsjc.org.br.

The Metalworkers Union and the CSP-Conlutas have worked together with the other organizers in the arrangements for the International Conference in 2015.

SindMetalSJC - 21

SindMetalSJC

The defense of metalworkers and the entire class Assembly Embraer’s workers, in São José dos Campos city

The SindMetalSJC (Metalworkers Union of São José dos Campos and Region) represents around 40,000 metalworkers from 1,200 companies.

With a classist and struggle profile, which prioritizes direct mobilization the union has a record of strong mobilizations in defense of wages, jobs and labor rights.

22 - International Journal

Political Activity The entity performance is not limited only to trade unionism basis established by the legislation. As one of the strongest unions in the country, it discusses the national politics and is one of the main supporters of the CSP-Conlutas construction.

The Metalworkers Union of São José dos Campos and Region also supports

and participates in popular mobilizations, since those that oppose the abusive pay rises for politicians up to those fighting for the right to housing (as was the case of the historic occupation of ‘Pinheirinho’, which brought together nearly 2,000 families).

Workers’ democracy All these initiatives are approved by the category,

which makes the decisions in congresses and general meetings held periodically.

The entity has 41 union leaders, but fosters the strengthening of the workers organization in their workplace, through the work of the accident prevention commission members, the trade union delegates and members of the internal negotiation commissions.

Inside the SindMetalSJC Board

41 union leaders

Union Federation

Cities covered São José dos Campos Jacareí Caçapava Santa Branca Igaratá

CSP-Conlutas

Main companies

Avibras (heavy military equipment), 1,000 workers Eaton (auto parts), 507 Eleb (landing gear for aircrafts), 640 Embraer (aircraft manufacturer), 11,870 Ericsson (telecommunications), 400) General Motors (automaker), 6,182 Gerdau (steel wiredrawing), 612 Heatcraft (components for air cooling), 277 Hitachi (air-conditioning), 420 Latecoere (parts for aircrafts), 419 Mectron (defense and aerospace industry), 300 MWL (railway wheels and axles), 525 Panasonic (batteries), 417 Parker Hannifin (pneumatic and hydraulic components), 636 Sany (bulldozers and cranes), 105 Schrader (auto parts), 297 Sobraer (parts for aircrafts), 250 Sopeçaero (parts for aircrafts), 80 TI Automotive (auto parts), 776 Volex do Brasil (connectors for electronic products), 135 Wirex Cable (electrical conductors), 572 Rosenberger Domex (cables and connection), 188 (December, 2013)

Protest against salary raise for councilors in Jacarei city

Demonstration in defense of the metalworkers’ health and against labor diseases

Demonstration against racial discrimination

SindMetalSJC - 23

Contact Us: Metalworkers Union of São José dos Campos and Region Rua Maurício Diamante, 65, Centro, São José dos Campos – São Paulo – Brazil Zip code 12209-570 Telephone: +55 (12) 3946-5326 Website: www.sindmetalsjc.org.br E-mail: solidarity@sindmetalsjc.org.br

24 - International Journal