Brazilian unions protest proposed labor law amendment

Major Brazilian union leaders have voiced strong opposition to a proposed constitutional amendment that they claim would worsen job precarity. The amendment, championed by opposition senator Rogério Marinho and backed by the Confederation of Commercial and Business Associations of Brazil (CACB), is seen by unions as a step backward for formal employment.

In a joint letter, the leaders of Brazil's main union confederations argued that the proposal would create an unequal bargaining environment for employees. "In real life, the employee does not negotiate on equal terms. Often, they are forced to accept exhausting workdays because wages are insufficient to cover their basic needs," the letter states.

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In real life, the employee does not negotiate on equal terms. Often, they are forced to accept exhausting workdays because wages are insufficient to cover their basic needs.

The unionists expressed concern that the amendment could lead to "aberrations such as an eventual '7x0 scale,'" implying a system that could demand work every day. They warned of severe consequences for workers who might refuse to meet what they deem "inhumane demands" under intense workplace pressure.

The letter was signed by the heads of prominent unions, including CUT, Força Sindical, UGT, CTB, CSB, Nova Central Sindical de Trabalhadores, Pública, and Intersindical, signaling a united front against the proposed changes.

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This is a step backward that paves the way for aberrations such as an eventual '7x0 scale.' It is not difficult to imagine the consequences for the worker who refuses to meet inhumane demands in a work environment subjected to such pressure.