The unions’ request for May 1st is that “Lula receives an education”. “This celebration that the president is going to do is important. We really wanted any event he attended to really value workers in general”, stated Ivanilda Reis, general coordinator of Fasubra (Federation of Unions of Technical-Administrative Workers in Institutions of Public Higher Education in Brazil).
The expectation among them is that the date will help pressure the government to act on the matter. “I hope that the federal education strike does not go unnoticed in Lula’s speech,” said David Lobão, national coordinator of Sinasefe (National Union of Federal Servants in Basic, Professional and Technological Education).
Lula’s participation in the act is not seen as a problem. “Lula’s origins are the trade union movement [foi presidente do Sindicato dos Metalúrgicos de São Bernardo do Campo e Diadema, em 1975]he led historic strikes [de 1978 a 1980]its presence in an event of this nature is compatible with its history and its popular roots”, says Raquel Nery, director of Proifes, a federation made up of 11 unions.
Despite this, employees expect a better response from the government. “We hope that the president’s willingness to participate in the activities of this day of struggle and memory will be paralleled by the openness to dialogue with the categories on strike, opening margins in the 2024 budget for workers’ demands”, stated Gustavo Seferian, president of Andes ( National Union of Teachers of Higher Education Institutions.
The union central event takes place in the east zone from 10 am — Lula is expected at 12:40 pm. In addition to the PT member, vice-president Geraldo Alckmin (PSB) and government ministers are expected such as Cida Gonçalves (Women) and Luiz Marinho (Work). The pre-candidate for Mayor of São Paulo Guilherme Boulos (PSOL) will also be present.
Mayor Ricardo Nunes (MDB) and governor Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicans) will not participate. The emedebista stated that he will attend commemorative parties in the east and south regions. Despite her party being part of the government, Nunes approached former president Jair Bolsonaro (PL) aiming for re-election. Tarcísio, in turn, is criticized by Bolsonarists when he approaches Lula.
