Brazil: Central Workers’ Union demands removal of mandatory union tax

The Central Workers’ Union (Central Unica dos Trabalhadores, CUT) has chosen March 1st to announce the enhancement of its campaign for the removal of the union tax, started three years ago.  Indeed, March 1st is the day when all Brazilian employees, even if they are not union members, pay this tax, automatically taken from their salary.  This is mandatory contribution (non-voluntary) to the funding system for unions and for employers’ organizations and associations of liberal trades as well as public funds which manage unemployment benefits.  This tax was introduced in 1943 under the Vargas administration.  The CUT said it intended to ask the government to comply with the commitment signed in March 2008 to remove this tax and replace it with another funding system.  To be effective, the agreement has to be transposed into a bill and approved by the Brazilian Congress.
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

ons of liberal trades as well as public funds which manage unemployment benefits. This tax was introduced in 1943 under the Vargas administration. The CUT said it intended to ask the government to comply with the commitment signed in March 2008 to remove this tax and replace it with another funding system. To be effective, the agreement has to be transposed into a bill and approved by the Brazilian Congress.

Union tax to be replaced by contribution to collective bargaining. In 2010, the Fede

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
Romania: government imposes strict controls on labour immigration
On 26 January, the Romanian government adopted an emergency ordinance tightening the rules on the recruitment of foreign workers. The measure introduces an official list of labour shortage...
Germany: standoff over national plan to boost collective bargaining
Under the EU Adequate Minimum Wages Directive, Germany is required to produce an action plan to boost collective bargaining coverage. That plan has stalled, however, after being blocked by the...
9 February 2026
France: Medef publishes guide to support career transitions and retraining
France's largest employer federation Medef has provided its regional representatives with a practical guide designed to support career transitions and retraining. Structured around three key tools...
6 February 2026
EU: Commission wants to facilitate entry of international ‘talent’
In a recommendation published on 29 January, the European Commission calls on member states to take a series of measures to attract and retain international talent. It targets holders of skilled...
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
Germany: government seeks to facilitate immigration of skilled Indian workers
During a visit to India earlier this week, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz addressed the strategic importance of attracting Indian workers to Germany, signing a series of cooperation agreements...
2
France: Medef publishes guide to support career transitions and retraining
France's largest employer federation Medef has provided its regional representatives with a practical guide designed to support career transitions and retraining. Structured around three key tools...
6 February 2026
3
France: 2026 budget expected to maintain employer contribution relief
On 19 January 2026, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu decided to invoke Article 49.3 of the Constitution to pass France's 2026 budget without a vote in the National Assembly. Three days...
4
EU: Cyprus unveils its six-month presidency programme
Cyprus has set out its priorities for its six-month presidency of the Council of the EU. On the social front, the centre-right government will focus on the Union of Skills, which aims to boost...
5
Informal economy and slow wage growth hamper decent work, ILO says
The International Labour Organisation published its Employment ans Social Trends 2026 on 14 January. It anticipates unemployment stabilising in 2026 and employment growth of 1%, driven by...
6
EU: Commission wants to facilitate entry of international ‘talent’
In a recommendation published on 29 January, the European Commission calls on member states to take a series of measures to attract and retain international talent. It targets holders of skilled...