President Lula da Silva met with Brazilian labor union leaders to address growing concerns about the disconnect between his administration and the working class. This meeting follows Lula's unusual decision to skip the traditional May Day celebrations in São Paulo.
Lula requested that union leaders increase their public presence and work towards a modernized approach to unionism in Brazil. He also jokingly commented on the length of the unions' demands list, suggesting they prioritize three key issues for government negotiation with the Supreme Court and Congress.
The government committed to reviewing all demands and will update the unions on their progress. A follow-up meeting is planned. Lula emphasized the government's commitment to dialogue and its roots in labor movements. While the government acknowledges the demands, some, such as ending the 6x1 work schedule, will require Congressional approval.
Lula's absence from the May Day events was addressed; he opted to record a national television address to workers instead.