In Brazil, the payment of salaries for workers under the Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT) is a significant event that occurs at the start of each month. For April 2025, this payment is scheduled for April 7, a Monday, which marks the fifth business day of the month. This timing is crucial for employees who rely on their salaries to manage their finances, especially with several upcoming holidays that could impact their budgeting.
According to Article 459 of the CLT, employers are required to pay wages no later than the fifth business day of the month following the month worked. In this case, the salary paid in April corresponds to the work done in March 2025. The calculation of the fifth business day excludes weekends and holidays but includes Saturdays. Therefore, the business days in April 2025 are as follows: Tuesday, April 1 (first business day); Wednesday, April 2 (second business day); Thursday, April 3 (third business day); and Friday, April 4 (fourth business day). This leads to the fifth business day falling on Monday, April 7.
April 2025 is particularly notable because it does not contain any national holidays that would interfere with the payment schedule. The Good Friday holiday, which falls on April 18, and Easter on April 20 occur after the deadline for salary payments. Similarly, the Tiradentes holiday on April 21 does not impact the payment schedule, allowing workers to receive their wages without delays caused by holidays.
Employers who fail to meet the payment deadline face significant penalties. According to the CLT, companies that do not pay on time may incur a fine of 5% of the salary amount, plus an additional 1% for each day of delay. Moreover, if the delay is recurrent, the company could be sanctioned by supervisory bodies like the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MTE). Employees who do not receive their salaries on time have the right to file a lawsuit seeking the regularization of their wages and may even claim compensation for moral damages if the delay has led to significant financial losses.
In addition to fines, employers are required to correct the amount of any delayed salary, taking into account inflation indices such as the General Price Index – Market (IGP-M), the National Consumer Price Index (INPC), and the National Consumer Price Index Broad (IPCA). This correction must be outlined in the employment contract or collective agreements.
For workers, understanding when their salaries will be available is essential for managing financial obligations such as rent, utilities, and other fixed expenses that typically come due in early April. The availability of funds by April 7 allows employees to settle these commitments without having to worry about potential disruptions caused by holidays later in the month.
While some employers choose to pay salaries before the fifth business day to help employees manage their finances, this practice is not mandatory. Instead, it often reflects a company’s internal policies and financial stability. However, for most companies, adhering to the established payment schedule is crucial to avoid legal complications.
As April approaches, it is imperative for both employers and employees to be aware of the implications of the fifth business day rule. Employers should prepare their payroll in advance, ensuring that all calculations related to salaries, overtime, and benefits are completed on time. In contrast, employees should monitor their accounts closely to confirm that their salaries have been deposited as expected.
The significance of timely salary payments extends beyond individual financial health; it also influences overall economic stability. When workers receive their salaries on time, they can plan their expenditures more effectively, contributing to a more stable consumer market.
In summary, the fifth business day of April 2025 falls on Monday, April 7, and it is critical for employers to ensure that salaries are paid by this date. Failure to comply with this requirement can lead to fines, lawsuits, and other legal repercussions. Workers should remain vigilant and proactive in managing their finances, especially during a month filled with holidays that may affect their financial planning.
As the month progresses, both employers and employees will need to navigate the potential challenges posed by upcoming holidays. The Good Friday holiday on April 18 and the Tiradentes holiday on April 21 will require careful financial planning to avoid any disruptions in cash flow. Thus, understanding the rules governing salary payments and the timing of holidays is essential for maintaining financial health throughout the month.
