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World Cup workers go on second strike

Comment: 0 September 2nd, 2011 by: admin

Construction workers in charge of renovating the Maracana stadium in Brazil for the 2014 World Cup went on strike for the second time in two weeks.

According to reports, the tension again mounted after salary agreements previously reached were not met.

Representatives of the workers explained that the group demanded for higher pay, along with a family health care plan and better measures.

‘We had the promise of an increase in our basic wage and we haven’t received it so far,’ said Luiz Fonseca, director of the construction workers’ union.

‘Also important to the workers in the inclusion of family members in the health plan.’

However, further discussions with the workers’ union had been halted, according to the group in charge of the entire construction process.

‘The consortium believes there is no motive for the present stoppage and informs it will go immediately to the Labour Tribunal to get the strike declared illegal,’ read a statement from the group.

The workers’ demands stemmed from an on-site explosion two weeks ago, with the incident leading to a colleague’s severe injuries.

Work on the stadium – being carried out by about 2,000 workers – is expected to be completed next year, in time for the 2013 Confederations Cup.

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