Joint Committee to Analyze Brazil’s Port Plan

By Breakbulk Staff on February 24, 2013

A bipartisan committee of Brazil’s lawmakers is scheduled to meet Wednesday to evaluate proposed legislation aimed at modernizing and expanding Brazil’s strained port system.

The committee was formed after union dockworkers protested the plan, leading to a half-day strike on Friday, Feb. 22. Union officials claim the new government’s port reform plan will lead to lower wages, diminished benefits and fewer jobs.

Federal Deputy José Guimarães of Ceará, who is a member of the Worker’s Party, or PT, will lead the committee along with Senate leader Eduardo Braga of Amazonas, who is a member of the Brazilian Democratic Movement Party, or PMDB.

Several dissenting politicians attempted to either thwart or delay the committee’s formation.