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Protests mobilize workers against mass layoffs. 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 staff, while the union accuses disregard for workers' rights
In the quiet morning of Itaúna, Minas Gerais, the usual coming and going of people in Praça Dr. Augusto Gonçalves was interrupted by shouts of protest and banners of demands.
According to ViuItauna website, a group of workers at JMN Mineração, a subsidiary of the J. Mendes group, voiced their dissatisfaction after a mass layoff that took many by surprise.
It is the beginning of a conflict that exposes challenges in the Brazilian mining sector and questions the social responsibility of corporations.
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Protests gain momentum after more than 200 workers are fired
On January 21, a protest led by the Metabase Inconfidentes Union mobilized former employees of JMN Mineração.
With banners, megaphones and slogans, protesters demanded a fair solution after the dismissal of 204 workers of 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 tense.
The protests were organized after workers rejected, on January 16, a settlement proposal offered by the mining company.
The package included a minimum compensation of R$2.250, health insurance until June, psychological support and a food allowance in January..
However, the union considered the offer insufficient and demanded more favorable conditions, such as six months of minimum wage payment and one year of health insurance.
Union director criticizes layoffs 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 nothing in sight, 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.,” said the union representative, emphasizing the importance of the category remaining organized.
Layoffs are part of restructuring process
According to a note released by JMN Mineração, the layoffs are a consequence of a broad restructuring process.
The company plans to reduce its workforce from 359 to just 125 people., which represents a 65% drop in the workforce.
The objective, according to the mining company, is to guarantee the sustainability of operations in the face of the challenges imposed on the sector.
JMN justified that the ore content in 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 taken.
Company promises to maintain 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,” the mining company said in a statement.
Despite this, the union accuses the company of not offering sufficient conditions to minimize the social impacts caused by the layoffs.
According to Rafael Ávila, “what is being offered is insufficient to meet the immediate needs of laid-off workers. "
Local impacts and worker reactions
The repercussions of JMN’s decision go beyond the workers directly affected.
The reduction in staff could cause significant economic impacts in the communities of Itaúna, Piracema and Desterro de Entre Rios, which depend heavily on mining activities.
Some workers will be relocated to the Ferro + Mineração complex, which belongs to the same conglomerate.
However, this measure was seen by many as insufficient to offset the magnitude of the layoffs.
Could protests intensify?
As the union and workers seek solutions, there is the possibility of new demonstrations being organized.
The lack of agreement between the parties suggests that the impasse is far from being resolved..
The Metabase Inconfidentes Union is articulating new strategies to pressure the company and ensure that workers' rights are fully met.
The businessman is only concerned with the revenue, but (very importantly) the workers who remained employed do not care about their colleagues who were fired! There will be no mobilization among those who remained employed.