Brasilia, Sep 7 (IANS): Brazilian bank workers began an indefinite strike after refusing the annual raise proposal offered by the National Federation of Banks (Fenaban).

According to Lourenco Prado, president of the National Confederation of Financial Workers, the strike that started on Tuesday will last for an indefinite period of time, Xinhua news agency reported.

The union movement stated on Monday that the strike would take place because the Fenaban offered a raise of 6.5 per cent, far under the inflation rate of 9.57 per cent predicted for August.

"We are demanding a raise of at least 15 per cent," explained Louro.

The bank workers were also demanding a raise in the minimum salary, a rise in food coupons, better working conditions and more opportunities for advancement.

"The strike is nationwide and indefinite, but cash machines and credit card terminals will continue to work. The population will not be affected. We do not want to hurt the population, we are only demanding our rights," added Louro.

The last strike took place in October 2015, lasting 21 days, and only ended when the banks raised their salary raise offer from 6.5 per cent to 10 per cent.