Chaos grips Brazil’s Sao Paolo as strike continues

Subway workers’ strike in Brazil’s Sao Paulo has caused commuter chaos on its third consecutive day.

According to Press TV, the strike began on Thursday as subway operators demanded a 12 percent pay rise arguing that their salary is not enough to support their families. They have decided to keep the walkout going after negotiations with government officials failed on Thursday.

Police used tear gas and batons to quell protests on Friday.

This is while Brazil is due to host the biggest soccer event, World Cup 2014, within days. Sao Paulo, Brazil’s biggest city, will also host the opening match as the subway is planned to play a crucial role in transporting soccer fans to the location of the host stadium.

Moreover, the strike has faced 4.5 million commuters with long delays and massive daylong disruption.

The company that runs the subwasy system says it has begun partial operation of all its five lines with the help of management personnel and newly hired trainees.