Unions protest against plan to auction off land to drilling companies

Union members and grassroots organization activists assembled in Brasilia on 15 December 2008 to protest the Brazilian government's plan to auction off land to drilling companies. The protesters took over the offices of the Mines and Energy Ministry for four hours, but the occupation ended peacefully. The National Oil Workers' Front stated that it may begin a strike on 16 December to continue protesting the sale of oil fields. The protesters are demanding that all oil field auctions be suspended immediately and indefinitely.