Brazilian Judges Claim Their Strike Was Not Solely about Housing Benefits

03/16/2018 - 12h12

After being criticized for calling a strike allegedly to defend privileges, federal judges stated, on Thursday (15), that their action was not about maintaining privileges such as housing benefits.

The strike was announced on March 1st as a form of protest against a possible change to benefits paid to judges. The matter is scheduled to be addressed by the Brazilian Supreme Federal Court on March 22. The Court is expected to restrict payments.

The agenda, however, was "watered down" amidst other matters. Judges mentioned Operation Car Wash (Lava Jato) and said they have been under attack for going against interests of the political class and underscored the existence of a bill which establishes punishment for judges and members of the Federal Prosecution Office for abuse of power.

Associations complain of a salary gap of 40% since 2005 and claim this is against the Constitution, which provides for annual salary adjustments.

"This strike is not a defense of privileges, [...] of maharaja salaries," said Bruno Cesar Lorencini, of the Association of Judges of São Paulo and Mato Grosso do Sul (Ajufesp).

According to Ajufe (Brazilian Federal Judges Association), 1,100 federal judges joined the strike, which corresponds to 62% of its members. According to Anamatra (National Labor Court Judges Association), 1,210 labor court judges joined the action, representing 36% of all active judges.

Translated by ANA BEATRIZ DEMARIA

Read the article in the original language