The mobilization of employees at EPE (Energy Research Company), an agency under the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) responsible for the country's energy planning, has entered a new phase after the final proposal presented by management was rejected at a meeting. The decision, made on October 17, foresees a schedule of work stoppages that could evolve into an indefinite strike starting on November 17.
The impasse revolves around the ACT (Collective Labor Agreement) 2025-2026, whose proposal includes a salary adjustment of 4,26%, equivalent to 80% of the INPC, a percentage considered insufficient by employees.
According to the unions, accumulated losses since 2014 exceed 20%. The group also demands advances on non-economic issues, such as the PCS (Job and Salary Plan), the guarantee of comprehensive legal protection in the event of layoffs, and the regulation of the hybrid work regime.
"Talking about a fair and democratic energy transition requires, above all, valuing the people who work to make it possible," the workers' representatives stated in a statement.
Energy transition agenda
The strike comes at a strategic time for the sector, with the approach of COP30 and Brazil's first battery auction, both with direct participation by EPE. Employees argue that the undervaluation of the technical team compromises the company's performance on key issues in the national energy transition.
EPE, in turn, stated that the proposal was drafted within federal budget constraints and seeks to balance "employee interests with the federal government's fiscal limitations." The company also presented the alternative of a two-year agreement, valid until 2027, with full inflation adjustments for the second year.
While negotiations are still in progress, workers remain on strike, with work stoppages scheduled for October and November. The unions emphasize that they are open to new proposals, as long as they address "the just demands for appreciation and recognition" of the professionals who support the country's energy planning.
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