Dive Brief:

• Heavy-construction workers in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, including those working on Olympic venues, began to strike Tuesday and plan to stay away from the job site until at least Friday, Reuters reported. Officials say Olympic Park, the site of track and field and other popular events, hasn't yet been affected.
• The Intermunicipal Union of Heavy Construction Workers, known as Sitraicp in Brazil, said 70% of its members will strike until they receive higher wages and an increased food subsidy.
• Union officials told Reuters that Olympic stadium construction will not be affected if the matter is resolved by Friday. If employers fail to increase workers' wages, the union will strike indefinitely — having a significant impact on Olympic venues.

Dive Insight:

Many fear the strike will further delay Olympic construction that is already behind schedule. The site of the Summer Games is no stranger to setbacks. 

Earlier this month, Brazil’s Ministry for Labor shut down construction on two arenas due to safety concerns for workers. And last year, the International Olympic Committee staved off rumors it was searching for an alternative location for the 2016 Olympics due to delayed construction of the Olympic Village.