On the morning of Monday, January 26, labor leaders from affiliates of the Federation of Food Industry Workers of the State of São Paulo (FETIASP) met with Brazilian Vice-President and Minister of Development, Industry, Commerce, and Services Geraldo Alckmin at the São Paulo headquarters of the Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social (BNDES).

FETIASP President Melquíades de Araújo called the meeting on behalf of the Federation to discuss the situation of the food sector, considering the industry’s strategic relevance for the country’s economy, the population’s food security, and the creation of jobs.

Among the leading issues put to Minister Alckmin were the need to value work and improve working conditions in the sector, as well as implementing public policies aimed at generating and maintaining jobs in the face of the current economic challenges.

Also addressed was the need to strengthen social dialogue as a tool for devising joint solutions, with the government, workers, and the production sector working together, in addition to fostering food security, combating informal employment, and promoting sustainable practices throughout the production chain.

FETIASP’s initiative is in line with the strategies furthered by Rel UITA (IUF Latin America) and its affiliate organizations in Brazil.

In this framework, last December the Regional Office participated in a meeting with Minister for Women Márcia Lopes, convened to promote discussion on the health of women workers in the meat-packing industry.

That meeting was also attended by union representatives from national food industry workers’ confederations CNTA and CONTAC/CUT.