Embraer Workers Launch Indefinite Strike as Brazilian Planemaker Maintains Production Goals

Metalworkers at São José dos Campos plant demand wage increases while company insists operations continue normally amid industry-wide labor tensions.

Metalworkers at Embraer’s primary manufacturing facility launched an indefinite strike Tuesday, demanding wage increases and a formal collective labor agreement as the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer races to meet year-end delivery targets.

The walkout at the São José dos Campos plant began Sept. 17 after union representatives rejected the company’s contract offer last week, according to a Reuters report. Despite the work stoppage, Embraer management stated that operations are continuing as normal.

The strike poses a potential challenge to Embraer’s aggressive 2025 production schedule. The company targets delivery of between 77 and 85 commercial aircraft this year and maintains the strike will not derail those year-end goals.

Through Sept. 16, Embraer had delivered 35 commercial aircraft, leaving nearly 50 jets to complete before December. The manufacturer faces even steeper targets in its business jet division, aiming to deliver roughly 145 to 155 units after completing 61 deliveries so far this year.

Labor Dispute Centers on Compensation

Workers argue that Embraer’s proposal ties raises to inflation with minimal additional increases, failing to recognize their contribution to the company’s global success. The union has also raised concerns about cuts to protections for employees who suffer work-related injuries.

Embraer remains reluctant to commit to higher raises while balancing production costs and competitive pressures. Company executives say they must control labor expenses to remain competitive against Airbus and Boeing, as well as competing business jet manufacturers. Management has publicly stressed the need to maintain output levels while expressing commitment to dialogue.

The strike represents both a wage dispute and a visibility campaign for workers. By staging an indefinite walkout, employees are forcing Embraer to weigh potential reputational damage and customer concerns against resistance to labor demands.

Production Pressures Mount

Embraer’s delivery targets add urgency to the dispute. The manufacturer has weathered labor disputes in the past with minimal customer impact and maintains a reputation as one of the industry’s most reliable producers. However, prolonged strikes come with costs and potential long-term strain on workforce morale.

If the strike continues beyond several weeks, the company may face mounting pressure to compromise. Deliveries remain Embraer’s most visible performance metric, and any slippage could damage confidence when demand for new aircraft remains strong.

The company competes directly with Airbus’s A220 family through its E2 series aircraft. In business aviation, Embraer’s Praetor and Phenom jets face competition from Bombardier Challenger, Cessna Citation, and Gulfstream models.

Aviation Industry Labor Tensions Escalate

The Embraer dispute reflects broader labor unrest across the aviation sector in 2025. Boeing workers are currently striking at facilities in Missouri after rejecting a proposed labor contract. Those workers, who build military jets and weapons systems, cited pay and benefits as primary concerns.

Airline workers have also staged walkouts this year. Flight attendants at major carriers, most recently Air Canada, have threatened or conducted strikes seeking higher pay, better scheduling protections, and stronger safety measures. These disputes reflect growing leverage among frontline staff as airlines grapple with staffing shortages while meeting resurgent passenger demand.

The strikes have proven hugely disruptive to companies and the broader industry. With inflation, high demand, supply chain shortages, and expiring union contracts, employees are pushing harder than ever for better compensation and protection.

For now, Embraer focuses on projecting stability to airline customers and investors. With competitors eager to capitalize on any perceived weakness, the manufacturer has strong incentives to keep assembly moving smoothly, even under challenging circumstances.