With only four days until kick off, strikes continue to plague many cities before the World Cup. Strikes have wreaked havoc in many cities' public transportation systems and roads especially, particularly those of Sao Paulo.

The city that will be hosting the first game of the World Cup has its subway system in shambles. The union that represents the subway employees for Sao Paulo has gone on strike, causing huge delays and disruptions throughout the whole system, according to the AP. The union is asking for an increase in wages and is using the World Cup as leverage.

The strike began on Thursday, and by late Friday violence erupted between the strikers and police. There have been various strikes around the country, particularly in cities where games will be held. Various public servants like police officers and teachers have gone on strike before, but the strikes by public transport workers are poised to be the most disruptive since it will prevent soccer enthusiasts from reaching the games easily.

Due to the strikes a third of Sao Paulo's subway stations were closed on Friday causing massive disruptions in morning commutes. According to BBC News, the subway workers are demanding a 10 percent raise but the city has only offered an 8.7 percent raise. However, both FIFA and Brazil's government are confident that they will reach an agreement and that the games will be a success.

To prevent the police from striking again, the government has agreed to raise their wages by a total 15.8 percent. BBC News reports that their first raise will take effect in July and will be a 12 percent increase. The second one will take effect on January and will be a raise of 3.8 percent.

The union representing the federal police welcomed the raise and cancelled its upcoming strike. However, as the AP has pointed out, the remaining and more crucial problem is the public transport unions. A judge had ordered the union to continue working during rush hours and to work at 70 percent capacity during off hours, but the union has defied the court and continued with its strikes.

The unions are being fined $44,000 every day they continue the strike. Although the strikes are smaller than they were a year previous, they still pose a threat to the game.

Related