Organized labor groups began a series of protests across Brazil last week demanding higher pay and decent working conditions a month before the start of the much anticipated World Cup soccer tournament. 

Various groups comprised of teachers, public employees, police officers and security guards left their posts to join the mass protests. They rallied together with homeless people and political activists and took to the streets as the country prepares for the soccer kickoff on June 12. 

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According to Claudio Fonseca, president of Sao Paulo's municipal teachers union, the government has put all its efforts and resources into building soccer stadiums at First World FIFA standards, but failed to address issues like low standards of education. 

Fonseca was referring to the low salary of teachers and the lack of funds to build and repair schools. 

So far, the most chaotic reports on the protest actions took place in Recife, capital of the state of Pernambuco, northeast of Brazil. Recife is one of the host cities of the event and local news coverage have shown massive scenes of violence and looting in the area where at least 17 people have been reported dead. 

The federal government deployed the military to provide security and contain the violence. 

Reports said that mobilization of organized interest groups is an entirely new development. Last year, protests were mostly made up of mass marches. 

Political scientist David Fleischer of the University of Brasilia sees the participation of unions and other groups of workers as some form of negotiating tool. He said the Brazilian government is trying so hard to establish a sense of order before the world event. 

Fleischer said the [Brazilian] government "is in a very weak bargaining position right now", noting that any form of pressure coming from demonstrators will make it harder for the government to address myriad demands. 

Government officials have promised the people that hosting the World Cup would improve their lives. They said it's the best opportunity to project the country's positive image worldwide. 

However, the preparation leading to the World Cup event next month has led to excessive spending and even accusations of corruption as some think the event will do Brazil more harm than the good which government has been touting.

TagsLabor protest, FIFA World Cup Brazil, mass demonstrations