Brazil In Trouble: Austerity Measures Lead To Nationwide Trouble

Life in major Brazilian cities came to grinding halt following nationwide protests against President Michel Temer's austerity measures.

The strike led by Brazilian unions, paralysed transport and shut school, factories and businesses. The first in two decades, the strike was partly in response to congressional bills that if passed could potentially alter social security system, which in turn would force many Brazilians to work longer before they can draw a pension.

In the economic hub of Sao Paulo, the main tourist attraction Rio de Janeiro and several other metropolitan areas, witnessed protests where access to highways and major airports were blocked. Police responded by firing tear gas to free roadways and prevent protesters from entering airports.

Many workers were expected to respond to the call to strike for 24 hours starting just after midnight Friday. It will extend a holiday weekend ahead of Labour Day on Monday. Demonstrations are expected in other major cities across the Latin American nation of more than 200 million people.

"It is going to be the biggest strike in the history of Brazil," said Paulo Pereira da Silva, the president of trade union group Forca Sindical.