In 1979 and 1980, Brazilian metal workers held huge strikes, demanding higher wages and better working conditions. They were unprecedented, and a sign of the beginning of the end of the military dictatorship. They were led by one charismatic labor leader named Luís Inácio Lula da Silva.

This is episode 15 of Stories of Resistance — a podcast co-produced by The Real News and Global Exchange. Independent investigative journalism, supported by Global Exchange's Human Rights in Action program.

Each week, we’ll bring you stories of resistance like this. Inspiration for dark times.

This week, in remembrance of the anniversary of Brazil’s military coup on March 31, 1964, we are taking a deep dive in Brazil. All three episodes this week look at stories of resistance in Brazil. From protest music, to general strikes against the dictatorship, to the Free Lula vigil in more recent times.

Written and produced by Michael Fox.

Here is a link to a Spotify playlist of songs written in resistance to Brazil’s military dictatorship. 

If you like what you hear, please subscribe, like, share, comment, or leave a review. You can also follow Michael’s reporting, and support at www.patreon.com/mfox.

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Resources:

• 1980: The Strike with Lula Imprisoned – Memories of the Dictatorship
• March 13, 1979: The ABC Metalworkers' Strike is Launched – Strengthening Unionism and Weakening the Military Dictatorship (DMT em Debate)
• The ABC Strikes and the End of the Dictatorship – Mundo Educação
• Video: Assembly Line (1983) – How Lula Brought the Working Class to Its Feet in the 1978–1980 Strikes
• Video: Documentary on the ABC Strikes – DMT em Debate