Airport Workers in Brazil Strike on World Cup Opening Day
As the 2014 FIFA World Cup kicks off in Brazil, workers at the airport in the capital have launched a 24-hour strike, demanding better pay and working conditions. The walkout, which affects 20% of staff, follows similar industrial action by subway workers in São Paulo last week.
Union leaders are calling for a salary increase of between 10.5% and 12%, as well as a special World Cup bonus. “We support Brazil, but we must fight for workers’ rights,” said the head of the inter-union.
The strike adds to growing tensions in the host nation, where infrastructure concerns and widespread dissatisfaction over public spending on the tournament have fuelled protests.
Subway workers in São Paulo recently suspended their strike but have threatened to resume action if colleagues dismissed during the dispute are not reinstated.
