São Paulo, February 19, 2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The Union Force issued a note in which it expressed its perplexity over the "Copom's lack of sensitivity when it decided to maintain the prime rate at 16.5%."

The labor group criticized the monetary policy that has been "awarding the banking sector with record profits, to the detriment of production and employment."

Yesterday's (18) decision, according to the Force, does not contribute to the resumption of economic growth. "We deeply regret this tragic decision, which already jeopardizes the first half of 2004 and frustrates popular aspirations for more jobs." (DAS)