On behalf of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), representing more than 16.5 million transport workers globally, we extend our deepest condolences on the passing of our great friend, exemplary union leader, and President of the Sindicato dos Conferentes do Rio de Janeiro, Mayo Uruguaio Fernandes. Hearing the news of Mayo’s passing caused us deep sadness, but we stand firm in honour of Mayo’s life and achievements, knowing that he achieved so much for so many.
Mayo was also the Director of Confederação Nacional dos Trabalhadores em Transportes Marítimos, Aéreos e Fluviais (CONTMADD) and Federacao Nacional dos Trabalhadores de Bloco, Arrumadores e Amarradores de Navios, nas Atividades Portuárias (FENCCOVIB), alongside which he was President of the ITF Dockers’ Committee in Latin America. He was also formerly the President of the Rio De Janeiro Checkers Union, representing port workers in the city.
Mayo always stood tall in the fight to defend Brazil’s port workers, notably in the discussions on Port Law 12.815, enacted in 2013, in which Mayo was unwavering in holding the line on securing decent port workers’ pay and conditions in the face of privatisation and deregulation.
“Mayo leaves behind him a long legacy of struggle, courage, and solidarity,” said ITF President and Dockers’ Section Chair, and MUA National Secretary, Paddy Crumlin. “He consistently defended the rights of port workers with determination, and he sought and won better living and working conditions for workers and their families.”
ITF General Secretary, Stephen Cotton, said: “Mayo’s life story will inspire generations to come, and his unwavering commitment to social justice will never be forgotten – neither by his trade union siblings, nor the workers and their families for whom he dedicated his lives and livelihoods he gave so much.”
Edgar Diaz, ITF Latin America Regional Secretary added: “Mayo always firmly defended the rights of port workers and their families. His career has inspired generations, and his unwavering commitment to social justice will never be forgotten. In this moment of grief, the ITF as a whole stands in solidarity with Mayo’s family, his union colleagues, and the entire Brazilian port community, reaffirming our admiration and respect for the memory of his life and legacy.”
