Brazil’s residents have chosen the start of the World Cup to stage protests and vote for workers strikes.
Ground staff have voted for a 24-hour walk-out at Rio de Janeiro’s Galeao airport in a row over pay while baggage handlers and check-in staff at Sao Paulo’s Santos Dumont airport could also back industrial action, according to Sky News.
Airports have promised to maintain an 80% of services, while the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) warned of transport strikes at short notice across the country.
However Sao Paulo’s metro workers voted against strikes today.
Meanwhile protests mounted in Rio, Sao Paulo and Belo Horizonte with stun grenades and pepper spray used against those blocking the main route to the Corinthians Arena where the opening match will take place tonight.
The route was cleared with one arrest made, as anger gathers around overspending to host the tournament.
The FCO said protests are taking place ‘regularly’ and visitors should avoid large gatherings or demonstrations.
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