Striking Classrooms: Brazilian Educators Demand Fair Conditions

Brazilian education systems in several major cities are facing widespread strikes and struggles early in the school year, driven by teachers' demands for better wages and working conditions. In Rio de Janeiro, educators launched a strike, protesting Mayor Eduardo Paes's refusal to meet demands despite previous promises. The city government's proposal of a mere 3.62% raise, far below the rate of inflation, has been deemed unacceptable. Teachers have held demonstrations, including a march to the mayor's office, and are vowing to continue striking until their demands are met. Similar situations are unfolding in other cities. In Campo Grande, teachers initiated a strike protesting Mayor Adriane Lopes's inaction regarding their demands for wage increases. The union representing the educators has criticized the city's lack of engagement and willingness to negotiate. Porto Alegre is also experiencing growing tensions as educators mobilize and threaten to strike over low wages. They criticize the current administration's budget priorities and the neglect of education. The nationwide teachers' union, CNTE, has voiced support for these local struggles, highlighting the broader issues of underfunding and devaluation of educators impacting the profession across Brazil. These strikes reflect the growing discontent among educators struggling with inadequate compensation and deteriorating working conditions, fueling a wave of labor unrest in the country's education sector. find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/03/17/hqqk-m17.html