Brazilian pilots union agrees to end strike

Brazil's National Union of Aeronauts agreed on Sunday to accept the airline's offer of increased pay and benefits, ending almost a week of strikes. The two-hour daily strikes began last Monday before being lifted temporarily for Christmas weekend and the voting process. The strikes were due to resume today. In the online vote, which began on December 24th at 06:00 and ended on Sunday, December 25th at 12:00, the associated pilots approved the third proposal by the TST (Superior Labor Court) for the renewal of the Collective Convention of regular aviation work. Of the 5,834 ballots taken, 70.11% voted to accept the airlines' offer and lift the strikes, some 28.8% of the SNA members rejected the proposal, and just over 1% of respondents abstained. The latest proposal provides for a 6.97% increase in fixed and variable salaries, representing an adjustment for inflation and a 1% pay rise. The proposal also raised the cap on food vouchers and the minimum wage, along with fines for non-compliance. In addition, the final bid also provided for the complete renewal of other social clauses, clearly defined break times, and allowed workers to begin their vacation time on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.<br/>