Lula announces measures to keep jobs in Rio Grande do Sul and expand aid beneficiaries

Brasil de Fato

On Thursday (6), President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (Workers’ Party) announced a new package of measures to support the population affected by floods in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. After visiting neighborhoods devastated by the waters in the towns of Cruzeiro do Sul and Arroio do Meio, Lula signed three provisional measures for relief and economic aid.

Among the announcements is aid aimed at keeping jobs in the state by paying two installments worth one minimum wage each to workers in Rio Grande do Sul companies. In return, employers must sign agreements preventing layoffs for four months. It is expected that 430,000 workers will be benefited.

Another provisional measure presented on Thursday provides financial support totaling BRL 124 million (almost US$ 23,5 million) for cities and towns affected by the floods, but that have not previously benefited from federal measures.

In the third text signed on Thursday, the government expands the number of families to receive the so-called Reconstruction Aid, worth BRL 5,100 (US$ 966). The new beneficiaries are residents of municipalities not previously financially supported.

During his visit, Lula was joined by the governor of Rio Grande do Sul, Eduardo Leite (Brazilian Social Democracy Party), who said the president’s presence was “important so that we can move forward with reconstruction measures.” Ministers of State were also in the neighborhoods visited.

“We must prevent Rio Grande do Sul from facing what has happened so many times in this country: there’s a disaster, people cry, they’re moved. Time goes by, and soon everyone forgets [what happened]. What was promised hasn’t been done, and it’s only the poor who fall into disgrace,” said the president.

In his fourth visit to Rio Grande do Sul since the beginning of the crisis, Lula said several times that he will work to make access to federal resources less bureaucratic than usual.

“We don’t want to break any laws or regulations. We don’t want to disrespect the National Congress. We don’t want to disrespect anyone. What we do want is to respect the need to take care of these people who have suffered what they never imagined they would suffer – and that will take time,” said Lula.