Petrobras Workers On Strike

The workers of Brazilian oil major Petrobras organized a one-day strike yesterday trying to force the company to take into account workers? claims on benefits. Workers demand greater participation in a profit-sharing plan and better retirement benefits.
The National Oil Workers Federation said Petrobras? indisposition to make concessions could lead to a five-day strike beginning July 5 and, and maybe even a national walkout by the federation's 37,000 members.
Yesterday?s strike did not lead to any interruption in oil production, refining or distribution, with Petrobras supervisory personnel able to maintain normal services. But a five-day strike would lead to disruptions, the union said.
Petrobras is told to say that the company was "open to negotiations" on the issues, but no details were provided.
Brazil is South America's third-largest oil producer, and Petrobras does more than 90 percent of Brazilian oil drilling, refining and distribution.