Police and protesters clashed outside the state legislature in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday. This came as legislators discussed austerity measures. But that's not what protesters want to hear, especially the thousands of state employees and retirees who have not been paid, or have been paid months late.

Spokesman of Oil Workers Union in Rio De Janeiro, Ronaldo Moreno, said, "What is happening today is a fight by public workers, but it is a fight by everyone. A fight against this corruption, these criminals, these politicians that are in the legislative assembly of Rio de Janeiro and don't want to let go of their power and privilege. They only vote against the people. "

The conflict lasted for over four hours and took place over several blocks around the legislature. Military police said protesters threw homemade grenades and rockets toward the assembly, to which police responded with rubber bullets and tear gas. It is not clear how many protesters were injured, but at least one woman was hurt.

The austerity measures are being discussed as a way to offset the deepening economic recession. Many protesters, though, blame the cash shortfalls on corruption. This issue is front and centre in Brazil these days, as a massive investigation ensnares many of the country's political and business elite.