Metro workers in Sao Paulo, have voted to remain on strike for an indefinite period despite an earlier ruling by a labor court calling on them to return to work, BBC reports.

With most metro stations closed since Thursday, Sao Paulo has experienced horrendous traffic jams. The dispute comes as the city prepares to host the opening match of the World Cup on Thursday. At least 70% of trains should have been running during the day, and 100% during the morning and evening rush hours.

The court said that the unions had abused their powers. The governor of Sao Paulo state Geraldo Alckmin said he would dismiss employees who didn't come to work on Monday.

Metro workers are demanding a pay rise of 12.2%; the state owned company has offered 8.7%. The court in Sao Paulo said that the metro company had acted "in good faith". It also ruled that the workers broke strike rules by not providing a minimum level of service.

It ruled that the metro unions will have to pay 100,000 reais per day (USD 45,000; GBP 25,000) for the first four days of strike and 500,000 reais (USD 220,000; GBP 130,000) per day from Monday.

A few hours later, the unions held a ballot and decided to carry on with the strike. The two unions negotiating with the company says that the strike will be called off if their demand is met.

(Published by Independent – June 9, 2014)