FIFA World Cup: Subway workers suspend strike

Sao Paulo: Subway workers in Sao Paulo voted late on Monday to suspend their strike pending a further meeting Wednesday, warning they may resume the stoppage when the Brazilian mega-city hosts the World Cup kick-off. “On the 11th we shall hold an assembly with a strike set for the 12th,” said union president Altino Melo dos Prazeres.

A stoppage on the 12th threatens more transport chaos for the business hub of some 20 million people as Brazil take on Croatia in the World Cup opening match at the new Corinthians Arena. “Whether we put down tools or not will depend on the re-hiring of the 42 workers” fired for joining the protest, Melo said.

“The workers will immediately return to work out of respect for the people of Sao Paulo,” he said. “We shall continue to fight for the re-hiring of our colleagues. That is our priority,” added Melo. “We are still looking for a higher settlement but the workers are the priority.

“If the government re-integrated our friends there will be no strike on the 13th,” he added. Meanwhile, Brazil star Dani Alves expressed hope that the threat of violent protests does not overshadow the World Cup. “I know that sometimes it is difficult to put the situation in our country to one side, but the whole world will be here and everyone deserves to be welcomed in the way the Brazilian people know how," he said.