Mediation Brazil

Brazil TST Mediation Between Caixa and Banking Unions Ends Without Settlement

By ADR Journal Editorial Desk Published 2 sources Banking Sector Brazil Labour Disputes Mediation Public Sector Disputes Brazil

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TL;DR

  • TST-led mediation between Caixa and unions ended without settlement.
  • The Saude Caixa health plan remains a central disputing point.
  • Caixa filed a collective bargaining case at the TST following failed talks.
  • The strike by Caixa employees continues with some bank operations affected.

Overview

A mediation session at Brazil's Superior Labor Court (TST) between Caixa Econômica Federal and banking unions failed to produce a settlement regarding the collective labor agreement.

The primary issue remains the Saude Caixa health plan, which continues to be a point of major contention.

With the mediation unsuccessful, Caixa has initiated collective bargaining litigation (dissídio coletivo) at the TST, transferring resolution from negotiation to judicial process.

The ongoing strike by Caixa employees, which began on 10 September 2026, will continue for the time being.

What Happened

On 23 September 2026, a mediation session was held at the Superior Labor Court (TST) of Brazil between Caixa Econômica Federal and representative banking unions, following failed direct negotiations.

The mediation, initiated at the request of the Public Ministry of Labor, addressed points of dispute related to the collective labor agreement, especially the Saude Caixa health plan.

No agreement was reached during the mediation, leading Caixa to file a collective bargaining case (dissídio coletivo) at the TST immediately after the session.

As a result, the strike by Caixa employees, ongoing since 10 September 2026, is set to continue until further developments in the resolution process.

Some essential bank services remain operational via automated systems, but many bank branches across Brazil are closed due to the strike.

Context

The collective bargaining conflict at Caixa Econômica Federal, a major government-owned bank in Brazil, centers on the renegotiation of a labor agreement with unions representing its employees.

The primary dispute relates to proposed changes to the Saude Caixa health plan terms, with unions rejecting bank proposals and initiating industrial action.

Mediation at the highest labor court is a common step in Brazilian labor disputes, but the process can escalate to formal adjudication (dissídio coletivo) when no agreement is reached.

Why It Matters

  • The failure of the TST mediation means that a significant national labor dispute will move from negotiation to judicial resolution, affecting a large public sector employer and banking services nationwide.
  • The continued strike at Caixa Econômica Federal impacts customers, government benefit payments, and the broader financial system.
  • Judicialization of the dispute at TST may set precedent or influence similar future labor negotiations in Brazil's public and banking sectors.

Sources

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