Bus strike in Manaus: bus workers stop services indefinitely this Monday

Buses leave the Eucatur garage, in the Cidade Nova neighborhood, North Zone of Manaus, with a reduced fleet during the bus workers' strike, on the morning of this Monday (9) — Photo: Lucas Macedo/g1 AM

The strike occurs amid another impasse in public transport in Manaus: the suspension of new recharges for the Free Student Pass in Manaus. On Friday (6), the Amazonas Court ordered the blocking of R$5 million in Sinetram's financial assets until the benefit is reestablished across the capital's entire public transport network.

The strike began at 00:01 and was approved at a meeting held on November 4th. Around 5am, buses left the Eucatur company garage, in the Cidade Nova neighborhood, in the North Zone of the capital, with a reduced fleet.

In a statement, the Union of Urban Public Transport and Road Workers of Manaus and Metropolitan Region stated that delays in wages make it difficult to pay commitments and support workers' families.

The entity reported that it complied with the deadlines set out in the strike law and notified the companies and responsible bodies in advance.

The union also stated that it remains open to negotiation with companies to try to reach an agreement. When contacted by g1, Sinetram had not yet officially commented on the strike.

Due to the strike, the Federal University of Amazonas (Ufam) authorized the suspension of in-person academic and administrative activities in the morning shift this Monday in all units in the capital.

According to the institution, morning activities must take place remotely. A new assessment will be carried out throughout the day to define the functioning of the afternoon and night shifts.

On Friday (6), the Amazonas Court ordered the blocking of R$5 million in Sinetram's financial assets until benefit top-ups are reestablished across the capital's entire public transport network.

The decision was taken by judge Ronnie Stone, from the 1st Public Finance Court of Manaus, after the companies' union failed to comply with a previous determination ordering the resumption of refills.

The judge highlighted the proximity of the National High School Exam (Enem) exams and the end of the school year.

Sinetram states that the release of new credits depends on the receipt of amounts intended to pay for student tickets. The Government of Amazonas, on the other hand, says that the transfers relating to 2026 are up to date and that the charge involves amounts from 2025, discussed in court.

The suspension of recharges was communicated by Sinetram on November 2nd. Students who still have a balance on their cards can continue using available credits.