Protest actions again disrupted Brazil Thursday, this time organized by trade unions and social movements to demand economic reform, dpa reported.
This protest, which included road blockades and a partially successful general strike, had been called by the trade unions last month, at the height of a demonstration movement that took more than 1 million people to the streets during the Confederations Cup in Brazil.
Last month's protesters targeted corruption and demanded more investment in health, education and public transport - instead of stadiums and other infrastructure for the 2014 World Cup.
"Our mobilization seeks to put pressure on the legislature and the executive to make progress with relation to our historic demands," said Carmen Foro, vice president of the Unified Workers' Central (CUT).
Among others, the trade unions demand that the working week be reduced from the current 44 hours to 40. They also seek agrarian reform and more investment in health and education.
While the strike failed to have mass impact, it did seriously affect banks and public transport in several cities, including key metropolises like Porto Alegre and Belo Horizonte. It also closed down at least 35 roads in 12 Brazilian states.
Brazilian Justice Minister Jose Eduardo Cardozo said road police will act to restore traffic on the affected roads.
Protesters also occupied private property, including a radio station in the north-eastern city of Salvador.
A wave of protests organized through social networks shook Brazil last month, a country that does not have a history of mass street protests.