Workers at Rio de Janeiro’s two airports declared a partial work stoppage starting at midnight Wednesday, on the eve of the opening match of the World Cup.
Galeao international airport is expected to be one of Brazil’s busiest during the month-long football tournament. The strike also would affect Santos Dumont airport, which provides domestic service, including flights to Sao Paulo, where the first World Cup match was being held Thursday afternoon.
Unions representing workers at the two airports have been seeking wage increases and special World Cup bonuses.