Dados is one of the most widely-read social sciences journals in Latin America. Created in 1966, it publishes innovative works, originating from academic research, by Brazilian and foreign authors. Edited by IESP-UERJ, it aims to reconcile scientific rigor and academic excellence with an emphasis on public debate based on the analysis of substantive issues of society and politics.
Dados vol. 24 n. 1 Rio de Janeiro 1981
Abstract
This paper describes a number of riots which took place in the construction site of Rio de Janeiro's subway in 1978, triggered by the quality of the food served to some 14,000 construction workers. It first highlights some traits of the labor force employed by the construction industry as well as the living conditions and drudgery which prevail at the construction sites. After describing the conducive conditions, it presents data on the dynamics of nine riots in terms of frequency, degree of participation, and the rise of violence. Next, it focuses the impact of rioting on the relations between the Companhia do Metropolitano, the public company in charge of building the subway, and the big contractors. Finally, it confronts the official version of the events with the argument that riots are a successful means of protest and struggle frequently used by construction workers in the country. Rio's riots are related to the broader working class movement and the wave of strikes involving construction workers in some seven Brazilian cities in 1979. It is also suggested that there was a Subway Workers' Movement which contributed decisively to the events which were to emerge later among construction workers in Brazil.
Quebra-Quebras na Construção Civil: o Caso dos Operários do Metrô do Rio de Janeiro
Português do Brasil
Español