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Protests Mobilize Workers Against Mass Dismissals. With Banners and Megaphones, the Group Denounces the Conditions Offered by the Company and Demands Fairer Solutions. The Mining Company Claims Restructuring to Justify the 65% Reduction in the Workforce, While the Union Accuses Neglect of Workers’ Rights
On the quiet morning in Itaúna, Minas Gerais, the usual ebb and flow of people in Praça Dr. Augusto Gonçalves was interrupted by shouts of protest and banners of demands.
According to ViuItauna, a group of workers from JMN Mining, a subsidiary of the J. Mendes group, voiced their grievances after a mass dismissal that took many by surprise.
This marks the beginning of a conflict that exposes the challenges of the Brazilian mining sector and questions corporate social responsibility.
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Protests Gain Momentum After Dismissal of Over 200 Workers
On January 21, a protest led by the Metabase Inconfidentes Union mobilized former employees of JMN Mining.
With banners, megaphones, and slogans, the protesters demanded a fair solution after the dismissal of 204 workers from the unit located between the municipalities of Piracema and Desterro de Entre Rios.
The demonstration, held in front of the Benfica Building, the company’s headquarters, was peaceful but charged with tension.
The protests were organized after workers rejected a settlement proposal offered by the mining company on January 16.
The package included a compensation floor of R$ 2,250, health plan until June, psychological support, and a food allowance in January.
However, the union deemed the offer insufficient and demanded more favorable conditions, such as six months of payment of the floor and one year of health plan.
Union Director Criticizes Dismissals and Calls for Unity
For Rafael Ávila, director of the Metabase Inconfidentes Union, the layoffs leave workers in a precarious situation.
“Workers are leaving with one hand in front and the other behind, which is unacceptable,” declared Ávila.
He highlighted that three meetings with the company’s management were held, but none resulted in an agreement.
“We need unity in the fight against layoffs and, at the very least, fair compensation. The demonstration is the first step,” asserted the union representative, emphasizing the importance of keeping the category organized.
Dismissals Are Part of Restructuring Process
According to a statement released by JMN Mining, the dismissals are a consequence of a broad restructuring process.
The company plans to reduce its workforce from 359 to only 125 people, representing a 65% decrease in the labor force.
The goal, according to the mining company, is to ensure the sustainability of operations in the face of challenges imposed on the sector.
JMN justified that the ore content at the unit is low and that the availability of the steelmaking input is also limited.
These conditions, combined with a new production plan, were decisive in the decisions made.
Company Promises to Uphold Labor Rights
In its defense, JMN stated that it has maintained constant dialogue with union representatives to ensure that all workers’ rights are respected.
“Our commitment is to conduct the process responsibly and in line with the company’s values, ensuring that employees have support during this transition period,” said the mining company in a statement.
Despite this, the union accuses the company of not providing sufficient conditions to mitigate the social impacts caused by the dismissals.
According to Rafael Ávila, “what is being offered is insufficient to meet the immediate needs of dismissed workers.”
Local Impacts and Workers’ Reactions
The repercussions of JMN’s decision extend beyond the workers directly affected.
The reduction in the workforce could have significant economic impacts on the communities of Itaúna, Piracema, and Desterro de Entre Rios, which rely heavily on mining activities.
Some workers will be relocated to the Ferro + Mining complex, belonging to the same conglomerate.
However, this measure has been seen by many as insufficient to compensate for the magnitude of the layoffs.
Could Protests Intensify?
As the union and workers seek solutions, there is a possibility that new actions will be organized.
The lack of agreement between the parties suggests that the impasse is far from resolved.
The Metabase Inconfidentes Union is strategizing new plans to pressure the company and ensure that workers’ rights are fully addressed.
O empresário se preocupa apenas com o faturamento mas, (muito importante), os trabalhadores que permaneceram empregados, não se importam com os colegas que foram para a rua! Não haverá mobilização entre os que permaneceram empregados.