AMN
Violence has erupted in Brazil during the country’s first general strike in more than 20 years. Buses and cars have been set on fire in Rio de Janeiro’s city centre. Road blocks set up by activists were also ablaze and shops were vandalised.
For most of the day the strike had been largely peaceful. Many people stayed at home and shops, schools and banks remained closed across the country.
Unions called the strike in protest at proposed pension reforms. President Michel Temer said he regretted the incidents in Rio. But he stressed that he would continue his efforts to modernise the country.
Brazilian unions backed by various social movements are striking against pension and labor reforms. Organizers claim the strike will be the “biggest in Brazil’s history.”
Nationwide strike in 21 years was against a tough austerity and reform bill put forward by President Michel Temer. The bill aims to reduce labor costs and erode the power of unions. Temer said he hopes it will kickstart an economy battered by a recession. Workers’ Groups think the reforms go too far and question the government’s legitimacy.