Why do the unions ask for retraining programmes?

For decades, sugarcane in the state of Sao Paulo was burned before harvest to remove leaves and make cutting easier. The smoke harmed health and the burning released large amounts of carbon dioxide. State rules now require producers to stop burning gradually, and machines that cut the green cane have replaced much of the manual work. Mechanisation lowered the cost of the harvest and the air became cleaner, but thousands of cutters lost their jobs and had to look for work in other sectors. Unions ask for retraining programmes so that the benefits of the change are shared.

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Because many cutters lost their jobs and need work in other sectors

  1. Step 1: Connect the request to the consequence. Step 2. Thousands of cutters lost work, so retraining helps share the benefits. Answer: Many cutters lost their jobs. Why not the others: The text does not say machines are difficult or that burning will return.

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