Unions in Brazil state they are adopting a defensive stance
In the heart of Brazil, nestled among coffee bushes, lie the small towns of Ibiraci and Capetinga, home to around 11,000 and 7,000 residents respectively. However, a recent expose has shed light on the harsh realities faced by the migrant workers who are responsible for the actual picking of coffee cherries in these towns.
Eliana dos Santos, the chairwoman of the Union of Agricultural Workers and Agricultural Workers of Ibiraci and Capetinga, has been a relentless crusader against inhumane working conditions. In the past, she has successfully freed over two dozen pickers from conditions akin to slavery.
The living conditions of these workers have been found to be deplorable. Shared rooms, lack of food, and no gas for cooking are common. These appalling conditions were described by Costa, one of the agricultural workers gathered in the union office, as inhuman.
The idea for a collective agreement, aimed at improving these conditions, came from the CUT, the largest union umbrella organization in Brazil. The union office, which had previously been closed due to financial difficulties, has since reopened thanks to this agreement, which includes a daily wage per year being paid to the union by everyone who benefits from it.
However, the union has faced significant challenges. The labor law reforms under President Michel Temer in 2018, which abolished the automatic wage deduction, have led to financial difficulties. The disappearance of trade unions in many rural regions of Brazil has also exacerbated the situation.
The region of Ibiraci, located approximately 1100 meters above sea level, is known for its excellent conditions for growing Arabica coffee. Much of the harvest has been mechanized, but migrant workers from states like Bahia or Pernambuco are still essential for the manual picking of coffee cherries.
The workers are often hired by labor recruiters without formal employment contracts, and verbal agreements are not always honored. The Ministry of Labor is responsible for investigating complaints and conducting on-site inspections, but intervention can take significant time.
Despite the challenges, Eliana dos Santos remains hopeful. She reports that the union lacks young members, with the youngest being around 35 years old and the oldest clearly over 60. However, the new collective agreement offers a glimmer of hope for a new generation of union members.
Brazil has been grappling with a political, moral, financial, and economic crisis since 2017, according to Costa. Despite these challenges, the fight for fair working conditions continues, one union member at a time.
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