Brazil hit by first general strike in two decades

Brazilian cities went into partial shutdown on Friday as the country observed its first general strike in more than two decades. Millions of workers, including public transport staff, bankers and teachers, have been urged to take part by trade unions and social groups. Protesters are taking a stand against the president's proposed pension reforms. President Michel Temer says the changes are needed to overcome a recession. "It is going to be the biggest strike in the history of Brazil," said Paulo Pereira da Silva, the president of trade union group, Forca Sindical. Demonstrations are taking place across the country, with organisers saying they would focus attention on disrupting cities rather than small towns and rural communities.

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