Petrobras workers are on a 24-hour strike in almost all Brazil against the state company plans to sell part of its assets to pay debts and secure future investment. Led by the Brazil Oil and Gas Workers Unified Federation (FUP) the strike takes place in at least 15 oil platforms in the Campos and Santos basins, in the Atlantic Ocean, in refineries and other facilities.

The strike comes at a time, when the Company Board of Directors determines which assets will be sold in order to raise 15 thousand 100 million USD to pay debts and ensure future investments.

The unions also rejected a bill submitted by Senator Jose Serra, which would strip Petrobras from maintaining the exclusivity as operator in the exploitation of oil.

Communications Director of the North Fluminense Oil Union (Sindipetro-NF), Marcos Breda, reported that 15 of 25 platforms joined the strike.

He warned that if their demands are not met, they will call an indefinite national strike next September.

In this context, Petrobras said in a statement that measures were taken in order to ensure fuel supply throughout the country.

 Prensa Latina