Rio 2016 venue hit by strike as IOC Coordination Commission begin visit
February 18 - Maracanã Stadium construction workers today downed tools and threatened to strike as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Coordination Commission began its fourth visit to Rio de Janeiro to inspect preparations for the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics.
The workers, who are demanding a wage increase, meal vouchers and private health insurance for their families, staged a one-day stoppage and threatened to call a longer strike next week if their demands are not met.
The latest delay in the $458 million reconstruction of the Maracanã, which is due to host the Opening and Closing Ceremonies when Rio becomes the first South American city to host the Olympics and Paralympics, will have more impact on officials preparing for the 2014 FIFA World Cup than Games organisers as it is due to be the centrepiece of their tournament, including hosting the final.
But it will do little to allay growing fears among senior IOC officials that preparations for Rio 2016 are beginning to get so far behind that the situation is fast becoming critical.
http://m.insidethegames.biz/olympics/summer-olympics/2016/1012964-rio-2016-venue-hit-by-strike-as-ioc-coordination-commission-begin-visit