Negotiations under last year’s format clearly showed maturing labour relations involving the Great São Paulo’s São Bernardo do Campo Metalwork Union and the largest automakers of the region, Volkswagen, Ford, Mercedes-Benz and Scania among them.

The accord, in force from 1 September, included a true, 2.55% wage increase over inflation to total 10%. The same true percentage rate (2.55%) will be applied for 2012.

This region’s union is known for its aggression and for wildcat strikes in the late 70s. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, former president of Brazil, started his political career as the main São Bernardo do Campo metalworker leader.