Brazil Central Workers’ Union Holds 4th National Congress

The Central Workers’ Union of Brazil, CTB, has launched their Fourth National Congress, bringing together some 1,200 labor leaders from across the country and around the world.

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The CTB kicked off their congress with an international seminar of union members, where guests from foreign countries were given the chance to share their experiences fighting for workplace rights. The union then shifted gears toward domestic issues, reaffirming the need to fight for better working and living conditions at home. 

“Marching in unity, clarity and consciousness, the union movement, working class people and progressive forces will gather the necessary conditions to reactivate a new national development project founded on the appreciation for work, democracy and national sovereignty,” CTB President Adilson Araujo said. 

Top on the list of domestic issues include recent labor reforms implemented by President Michel Temer, which have cut workplace rights and deteriorated benefits for retirees. The reforms, according to the CTB, have also made it more difficult to organize workers.

Throughout the congress, attendees will discuss growing right-wing attacks on progressive governments of Latin American countries, including Venezuela. 

Founded in December 2007, the congress marks the CTB's 10-year anniversary.