Brasília, 8/1/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Strikes will not cause the author (redactor) of the social security reform bill to change his mind. The redactor, deputy José Pimental (PT-CE) says he insists on a civilized climate to discuss the issue. And even though negotiations with the Judiciary continue, Pimentel says the bill will go to the floor of the Chamber of Deputies this week, with a first round vote to take place on August 6.

Following a meeting with party leaders and the Chief Justice, Pimentel declared that the ceiling on retirement benefits for state judges remains undecided. And because of that, the original text remains in effect and that is what will be voted on.

The government's vice leader, Professor Luizinho (PT-SP), added that, "In a democracy one branch of government cannot impose a decision on another branch. We are all agreed on that. A strike by judges makes it impossible to negotiate," he said, adding that a final decision on the matter will be made by president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Chief Justice, Mauricio Correa, declared that he will appeal to the judges to call off the strike which is set to begin on August 5. Correa added that what he wants is to obey the constitution and that among the judges there was goodwill and a desire to resolve the question. (AB)