Unionized autoworkers across Brazil have threatened a widespread strike, that could effect the nation's entire auto industry. Workers have already walked out today on a number of operations including Goodyear, Ford, and Volkswagen, as well as a number of Brazilian makers. A number of metal workers are scheduled to walk out tomorrow afternoon for the remainder of the week. Some workers will stop work only for a few shifts at a time, as the union said the point is not to completely halt production on the assembly line. If the strike lasts through most of next week, many automakers will be forced to reduce production. The Brazilian autoworkers union, CNM, is asking for a pay raise above inflation, after employees rejected a proposal last week to keep wages just about even with inflation rates.
See "Brazil auto indus faces union strike over salary dispute", Kenneth Rapoza, CNN Money, September 8, 2009