Brazil Stone Show Still on Track

VITÓRIA, Brazil – The 2018 edition of the Vitória Stone Fair will open on schedule on June 7, according the event’s organizers.

Milanez and Milaneze issued an official announcement today that “confirms the holding” of the stone show at the Carapina Events Center from June 7-10.

“All our efforts are on the maintenance of the show in the scheduled period, in respect for the visitors, exhibitors and service providers involved in the event,” the organizers noted.

The confirmation comes as Brazil sorts out the effects of labor unrest that affected commerce and transport in the South American country.

A nationwide trucking stoppage, with drivers parking their rigs to create up to 1,000 roadblocks, led to dwindling supplies of fuel, food and other goods since its May 21 start. Facing rising diesel prices – including five hikes in one week – truckers finally relented when the Brazilian government agreed to subsidize prices immediately by 15% and grant other concessions.

Meanwhile, the union at state-run oil company Petrobras walked out earlier this week. However, a judge ruled the strike illegal, and the union told workers to return to their jobs.

“We are aware of the difficulties faced by the sudden events in the national scenario, which demand a joint effort by all, therefore, we will turn all our attention to carry out the event as planned,” according to Milanez and Milaneze.

A police strike in Vitória in early 2017 led to the postponement of that year’s stone event from an intial February opening until last June.