Brazil's central bank and environmental agencies are both facing worker strikes, causing delays and concerns in key sectors of the economy. The central bank is experiencing a delay in the release of a highly anticipated economist survey for the second time as staff members protest for higher pay. The employees plan to strike for two days, escalating a long-standing labor dispute with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's government. The dispute at Brazil's central bank has been intensifying in recent weeks, resulting in delays to other reports containing data on foreign direct investment, domestic lending, and fiscal accounts. The central bank staff have been excluded from the wage increases given to other civil servants. They launched an initial work stoppage in May, demanding a 36% salary hike and other benefits. Central bank president Roberto Campos Neto has expressed support for the workers, posing for pictures with union delegates in November and calling for a swift resolution to the conflict at a press conference in December.
Meanwhile, the strike at Brazil's environmental agencies, led by the National Union of Environmental Workers (Sindsep), is starting to have an impact on key sectors of the economy. The strike, which began on October 7, has caused delays in the issuance of environmental licenses and permits, affecting industries such as mining, agriculture, and infrastructure. The workers are demanding better working conditions and higher salaries. The strike has also led to a decrease in inspections and enforcement actions, raising concerns about the potential increase in illegal activities and environmental damage. The Brazilian government has not yet taken any significant steps to resolve the strike, and the situation is expected to worsen if a resolution is not reached soon. [28921a1c] [c11067eb]