Oil Workers Reject Petrobras Offer, Strike Possible
in two years, a walkout likely to stir debate on issues such as asset sales and investment cuts that are rarely part of annual labor negotiations. A walkout would not only disrupt company activity, it also could add to political tensions in Brazil. Petrobras unions backed former President Dilma Rousseff, who was permanently removed from office last month in a polarizing impeachment process. Rousseff's allies, including many union leaders, question the legitimacy of her replacement, President Michel Temer, who appointed Parente. Since his appointment four months ago, Parente
Petrobras Sees Layoff Plan Saving up to $9.2 Bln
for oil fields and other assets as oil prices slumped and refinery projects faltered. A year earlier, writedowns also caused hefty losses, although they were largely related to the corruption scandal that has roiled the company and fueled calls for the impeachment of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff. ($1 = 3.5883 Brazilian reais) (Reporting by Marta Nogueira and Silvio Cascione in Brasilia; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Phil Berlowitz and Paul Simao
Brazil Speeds Leniency for Corrupt Firms to Save Jobs
Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff issued a decree on Friday aimed at speeding up a process allowing construction companies involved in a major corruption scandal to regain the right to receive government money, a move she says will protect jobs. The decree, also known as a "provisional measure," clarifies the rules by which companies blacklisted for their role in the scandal can negotiate so called leniency accords. The accords will allow the firms to get off the blacklist, a move Rousseff and the companies consider essential to stave off bankruptcy and keep work on
