Large Brazilian union accepts Petrobras counteroffer, suspends strike

Dec 30 (Reuters) – Brazilian union Sindipetro-NF, one of the largest representing Petrobras workers, accepted on Tuesday a counteroffer from the state-run oil company for a labor deal, suspending a strike launched earlier this month.

• Sindipetro-NF was the only one among more than ten unions affiliated with FUP, an umbrella organization for oil workers, that remained on strike.
• The others had already approved FUP’s guidance to end the strike last week, after acknowledging progress in talks.
• The union represents about 25,000 workers, including those in Petrobras’ offshore oil platforms in the Campos basin, the second-highest for oil production in Brazil.

STRIKE REMAINS IN SANTOS BASIN

• Four unions affiliated with FNP, a separate umbrella group, remain on strike, including unions representing workers in the Santos basin.
• Santos basin is where most of Brazil’s oil and gas production is located.

PETROBRAS SAYS NO IMPACT ON OUTPUT SEEN

• Petrobras reiterated in a statement on Tuesday that the strike has had no impact on production, as contingency teams were mobilized where necessary.
• It also said it expects other unions to weigh in on the issue on Tuesday.
• The strike stems from an ongoing dispute over a deficit in the company’s pension fund and proposed changes to employee compensation, among other issues.