SAO PAULO - Thousands of metal workers went on a 24-hour strike in Sao Paulo Monday to demand higher wages.

According to the Unified Workers Central (CUT), the strike has affected main metallurgical factories, where 80 percent of the protestors, or about 56,000 people, work.

It also disrupted operations at about 50 plants mainly producing machines and electronic devices, refrigeration units, lamps and other products.

The workers took the street because employers refused to meet their demands submitted two months ago calling for a real wage increase of 2.5 percent, a 40-hour work week, life insurance and a 180-day maternity leave, said Valmir Marques, president of the State Metallurgical Federation.

"The proposals presented so far are ridiculous," Marques said, adding "several groups had the arrogance to propose a salary adjustment below inflation."

Metal workers in the automotive industry didnot take part in the strike, because they had reached a two-year agreement with company owners.