Metalworkers of Brazilian aircraft maker Embraer halt strike

Metalworkers at Brazilian aircraft maker Embraer have suspended their strike, saying police have forced them back to work at the company’s main plant outside metropolitan Sao Paulo.

The union of metalworkers of the city of Sao Jose dos Campos said Wednesday it recommended freezing the strike to avoid violence.

Union director Herbert Carlos accused Sao Paulo police of intimidating picketing workers and forcing them to run a gauntlet into the factory, hitting those who refused with batons.

Sao Paulo police did not comment about the allegations or the situation at the Embraer plant.

The union seeks a raise of nearly 6.4 percent, but Carlos said the company hasn’t offered any improvements.

Brazil’s government recently agreed to sell a controlling stake of Embraer’s commercial aircraft arm to American giant Boeing.