In the final days leading up to the first anniversary of Operation Padrão at the Port of Santos, Federal Revenue auditors announced a new strike, this time for a period of 90 days. This move is a direct response to the uncertainties and expectations surrounding the newly elected President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who will soon take office in Brazil. The auditors hope their demands will be addressed by the new government before making any further decisions.

Context of the Strike

The decision to halt activities nationwide was made during a general assembly of Federal Revenue auditors held last Wednesday, November 30. This meeting included representatives from across the country who thoroughly discussed the issues affecting the category, ultimately deciding to suspend work for 90 days.

Main Demands of the Auditors

The Federal Revenue auditors have a clear list of demands they consider essential for the efficient operation of the Federal Revenue Service and for the recognition of their class. Among the main demands are:

1. Public Competition: The category is calling for new public competitions to address the staff shortage, ensuring that the agency continues to perform its functions efficiently.
2. Adequate Budget: It is imperative that the Federal Revenue’s budget is properly included in the Annual Budget Law of 2023, ensuring the necessary resources for its operations.
3. Regulation of Law 13.4364/17: This law, which provides for productivity bonuses for union members, has yet to be regulated. The auditors demand that this issue be resolved so they can receive the benefits to which they are entitled.

Dialogue with the Government

Elias Carneiro Júnior, president of the Santos Auditors’ Union, mentioned that there had been previous discussions with the Minister of Economy, Paulo Guedes. However, according to Elias, these dialogues did not result in concrete solutions, and many important points remain pending. “A year has passed, and we are still in the same place,” he said, highlighting the category’s frustration with the lack of significant progress.

Elias also emphasized that the auditors’ demands were forwarded to the transition team of President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The expectation is that, with the new administration, the demands will finally be met. The auditors hope that by March 2023, the issue will be satisfactorily resolved.

Expectations and Next Steps

The union members await a definitive solution by March 2023. If the transitional government does not respond or does not present a satisfactory answer to the category’s demands, a new assembly will be convened to decide the movement’s next steps.

The 90-day strike by Federal Revenue auditors at the Port of Santos and other units across the country is a strategic move to pressure the government to meet their demands. The continuity or expansion of this strike will depend directly on the new government’s actions in response to the presented demands.

Impact of the Strike

Operation Padrão, which began almost a year ago, has already caused various impacts on the flow of goods at the Port of Santos, one of the largest and most important in the country. The new strike promises to intensify these effects, further affecting import and export operations.

The Federal Revenue auditors’ decision to suspend their activities for 90 days reflects dissatisfaction with the current situation and the hope that the new government will bring the necessary changes. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether there will be a peaceful and satisfactory resolution for all parties involved.

In summary, the Federal Revenue auditors remain vigilant and ready to act as necessary if their demands are not met. The future of operations at the Port of Santos and other Federal Revenue units will heavily depend on the responses and actions of the transitional government of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.