As of midnight on Monday (25), customs auditors from the Brazilian Federal Revenue Service initiated an indefinite strike, affecting operations at all ports and airports across the nation. The strike impedes the clearance processes for both import and export cargoes, alongside the boarding and disembarkation of ship crews. Priority shipments such as live animals, hazardous materials, perishables, medications, and food will continue to be inspected and cleared without interruption.
Elias Carneiro Jr., president of the Santos Union Branch of the National Union of Federal Revenue Auditors (Sindifisco Nacional), stated, "The government has granted salary adjustments to all career employees except us." He highlighted a breach by the Ministry of Management and Innovation (MGI) regarding Commitment Term 1 of 2024, which promised negotiations on career restructuring and salary adjustments through established forums by July, a commitment unmet for the auditors.
Carneiro further noted a 26.6% base salary gap over the past five years, despite a 9% salary adjustment provided by the federal government in two installments. Regarding Federal Revenue Service operations targeting drug trafficking, smuggling, and fraud, Carneiro assured that only essential activities would persist.
At the Port of Santos, which contributes to 30% of Brazil's trade balance, the strike's impact is particularly concerning. José Roque, executive director of the São Paulo State Maritime Navigation Agencies Union (Sindamar), described the situation as alarming, with potential repercussions for Brazil's economy and the port sector. Roque emphasized the negative effects on exporters and the possibility of crew boarding and disembarkation being compromised.
The strike also poses risks to holiday goods' timely arrival, pushing companies towards more expensive air freight to fulfill supply commitments. Roque warned of import cargo vulnerabilities, with containers accumulating at terminals, potentially disrupting exports by tying up the necessary equipment for imports.
Despite Sindamar's efforts to facilitate foreign trade, recent strikes have presented significant challenges. Roque cautioned that additional costs arising from storage, container demurrage, and maintenance of refrigerated equipment would ultimately burden consumers.
The Ministry of Management and Innovation has yet to respond to the strike as of Monday (25). Earlier negotiations in July proposed salary increases of 26% to 34% between 2023 and 2026, which the ministry argued would surpass projected inflation for the period. However, the auditors' counterproposal for nearly a 40% increase in personnel costs was deemed unfeasible by the ministry due to budgetary limits.
Source: DatamarNews