Why Brazil is striking

Brazilian unions called Brazil's first nationwide strike in 21 years against a tough austerity and reform bill put forward by President Michel Temer. The bill aims to reduce labor costs and erode the power of unions. Temer said he hopes it will kickstart an economy battered by a recession. Workers' Groups think the reforms go too far and question the government's legitimacy.

Battered by a recession, unemployment in Brazil has increased steadily over the past two years. In the first quarter of 2017, unemployment hit 13.7 percent, totaling more than 14 million people. Brazil's economy is expected to grow fractionally again this year, although that largely depends on whether Temer can advance his reform package.

Brazil's recession has dovetailed with a far-reaching corruption probe that has engulfed the country's political class. Former leftist President Dilma Rousseff (pictured) was impeached and removed from office for breaking budget rules. However, around a third of Temer's cabinet has also been implicated in what is an ever-widening investigation.

Union leaders said they expected Friday's strike to be the biggest in Brazil's history. Public transport networks across major cities were shut down. A number of other public bodies were also affected, including libraries, schools and even some hospitals.

Some protesters at Friday's demonstrations set up barricades and lit tires ablaze. Police responded with tear gas. Sao Paulo, Brazil's most populous city and financial powerhouse, was the worst affected.