Here’s the story you’re not hearing about this year’s Olympics: eleven workers died on construction projects in Rio de Janeiro in preparation for the Summer Games.

Safety supervisors said that “safety standards were sacrificed” in order to cut costs and expedite construction of stadiums, roads, and tunnels for the Olympics. Rio de Janeiro’s labour ministry had aimed for zero deaths, which London managed when it hosted the Games in 2012.

What went wrong? Ask Odebrecht, the construction firm involved in over half of all Olympic projects. Latin America’s largest construction firm is the unseen face behind the Olympics -- and must be held accountable for the deaths that occurred on its watch.  

Demand Odebrecht pay compensation to workers’ families killed by its negligence.

If you haven’t heard of Odebrecht, that’s because it thrives on anonymity. The firm has plenty to hide -- like the fact that court files revealed Odebrecht executives referencing 1 million reais in suspected bribes connected to Olympics construction projects.

Elaine Castillo, coordinator of inspections on construction projects, said the city government awarded contracts based on price rather than quality. But these court files indicate backdoor deals solidified city contracts with Odebrecht that led to dangerous and ultimately fatal working conditions.  

On a subway extension project for the Games, Abrahão de Almeida was electrocuted, and Gerson de Souza was crushed by a crane. And they are just two of the eleven workers who died constructing stadiums, roads, and tunnels for the Olympics. These tragic, unnecessary deaths must be rectified. Odebrecht must pay compensation to the families of the victims.

Demand Odebrecht pay compensation to victims’ families.