Brazil: although the government clarifies certain points in its new labor legislation uncertainties still remain

In force since 11 November 2017, Brazil’s Labor Code reform (Consolidação das Leis do Trabalho – CLT, c.f. article No. 10312), which the country’s parliament voted in during the summer, and which either alters or adds more than 200 articles is starting to affect businesses’ operations as they try to adapt to the new standards. The government sees the CLT as a much needed essential modernization move for the country, and as underlined by the Minister for Labor, Ronaldo Nogueira “a way to have standards that are comparable with those of developed countries”, and which is also expected to generate jobs. In contrast however, other concerned actors view the law, which was adopted in record time and without social consultation, as weakening both workers’ rights and the role of trade unions.
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

Initial ordinance. In the spring of 2017 and in a bid to speed the law’s adoption, President Michel Temer had promised to continue with further modifications on the issues up for discussion via ‘provisional measures’ in the form of ordinances. On 14 November, a few days following the law’s official coming into force the President undertook the first ordinance, which addresses several aspects, the main ones of which are:

  • An 18-month quarantine period established that must be respected before an
Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
EU: right and far right join forces in parliament to dismantle sustainability due diligence
On 13 November, the European Parliament approved the report by EPP MEP Jörgen Warborn on the proposed omnibus directive, clearing the way for trilogue negotiations. Backed by the far right, the...
13 November 2025
France: TotalEnergies steps up commitment on disability
On 9 October, French energy group TotalEnergies and all representative trade unions signed a new four-year agreement on disability inclusion. Taking effect on 1 January 2026, the deal aims to help...
Italy: new collective agreement for managers in tertiary sector
On 5 November, the ManagerItalia union and the employers’ association Confcommercio renewed the collective agreement for managers in Italy’s tertiary, distribution and services...
EU: Court of Justice largely upholds directive on adequate minimum wages
On 11 November, the Court of Justice of the European Union upheld most of the directive on adequate minimum wages, rejecting Denmark’s claim that it infringed on national sovereignty over wage...
12 November 2025
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
France: austerity measures proposed in social security financing bill for 2026
Limits on sick leave, the end of social security exemptions for apprentices, and the introduction of additional birth leave: the 2026 social security financing bill, presented to parliament on 14...
16 October 2025
2
Netherlands: ING cites AI as it plans to cut around 950 jobs
Dutch bank ING has informed the employment agency UWV that it may cut around 950 jobs by 31 December 2026. In its notification on 20 October, the lender said the planned reductions stem partly...
30 October 2025
3
United Kingdom largely retained within scope of EWCs despite Brexit, study shows
A study published this month by the Institute for Economic and Social Research, the French trade union research organisation, examined how the involvement of British representatives in European...
4
Romania: collective agreement extended to entire insurance sector
On 3 November, Romania’s National Tripartite Council for Social Dialogue approved the extension of the collective labour agreement signed on 23 May by the Confederation of Employers in the...
5
Italy: new collective agreement for managers in tertiary sector
On 5 November, the ManagerItalia union and the employers’ association Confcommercio renewed the collective agreement for managers in Italy’s tertiary, distribution and services...
6
Germany: legal battle at Tesla ahead of works council election
The Frankfurt/Oder labour court has postponed a mid-November hearing in the case between the IG Metall union and Michaela Schmitz, employee representative and head of the works council at the...