Judges join police agents in push for better wages

An assembly of Federal Police unions approved a state of “permanent mobilization” this week — a step short of protests and (illegal) walkouts — as the group continues to put pressure on the government for better wages. Labor representatives say federal marshals will stage a one-day protest, probably next week.

Last week, the government proposed a 5-percent raise to all federal workers, far below what most servants have demanded. Employees want their wage rises to match inflation over the past three years, which would give them a 26-percent increase in their paychecks.

The government is reportedly looking for a solution to meet federal marshals halfway.

Besides law enforcement, judges have also shown discontent with the situation. A national association of federal judges complained about losing 49 percent of their purchasing power since the last time their wages were raised.

Members of the judiciary, however, are by far the best-paid public servants in Brazil. Judges are also entitled to perks such as housing allowances. During the pandemic, many tribunals paid judges extra for them to work from home — a benefit most Brazilian workers didn’t have.

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