As Labor Day approaches on May 1, 2025, workers across Brazil are gearing up to celebrate their rights and reflect on the ongoing struggle for better working conditions. This national holiday is recognized by federal law and is an opportunity for employees to take a break from their jobs, as well as to participate in various demonstrations advocating for labor rights.
According to labor attorney Aluska Kallyne, employees are entitled to a day off on May 1. "Workers have the right to be off work on May 1 due to the holiday," she explained. However, if an employer requires an employee to work on this day, they must negotiate with the employee beforehand and provide either a day off in compensation or pay them double for the hours worked. This rule applies to all categories of workers, including permanent, temporary, and intermittent employees.
Importantly, employees have the right to refuse to work on Labor Day without facing repercussions. Kallyne emphasized, "There can be no retaliation, discrimination, or punishment against a worker who chooses not to work on a day when they should be resting." This assurance is crucial for maintaining the dignity and rights of workers during this significant holiday.
In Campo Grande, commerce will be closed on Labor Day, adhering to agreements made in the Collective Labor Convention. The Câmara de Dirigentes Lojistas de Campo Grande (CDL-CG) has stated that any violations of this closure could lead to fines for employers. The agreement ensures that workers in the retail sector receive the rest they deserve on this important day, reinforcing the rights established between employers and employees.
While many businesses will be closed on May 1, they are expected to resume normal operations on May 2, 2025. This closure aligns with other significant holidays such as Christmas and New Year’s, reflecting a broader commitment to honoring labor rights.
As part of the celebrations, various demonstrations are planned nationwide to advocate for improved working conditions and wages. The main event will take place in São Paulo at Praça Campo de Bagatelle, starting at 11 a.m. This gathering is organized by several labor unions, including the Central dos Trabalhadores e Trabalhadoras do Brasil (CTB) and the Central dos Sindicatos Brasileiros (CSB), among others. The Central Única dos Trabalhadores (CUT) will also join as a guest.
A joint statement from the unions noted that May 1 is a time for workers to reflect on their achievements and discuss the challenges they face moving forward. One of the key issues to be addressed during the demonstrations is the controversial 6x1 work schedule, where employees work six days a week for just one day off. Influencer Rick Azevedo, who leads the Vida Além do Trabalho (VAT) movement, has been encouraging participation in the protests through social media, highlighting the need for change.
The discussion surrounding labor hours has gained momentum with the introduction of PEC 8/2025, proposed by Deputy Erika Hilton. This constitutional amendment seeks to reduce the standard weekly work hours from 44 to 36, effectively advocating for a four-day work week in Brazil. The proposed changes would alter Article 7 of the Constitution to ensure that the normal work duration does not exceed eight hours a day and thirty-six hours a week, allowing for flexibility in scheduling through collective agreements.
Demonstrations are scheduled in various cities across Brazil, with specific times and locations including:
- Belém: Praça do Operário at 8:30 a.m.
- Salvador: Atento Uruguai (telemarketing company) in Cidade Baixa at 10 a.m.
- Recife: Praça do Derby at 10 a.m.
- Fortaleza: Praça Portugal at 3 p.m.
- Belo Horizonte: Praça Sete de Setembro at 9 a.m.
- Rio de Janeiro: Cinelândia at 2 p.m.
- São Paulo: Avenida Paulista in front of Masp at 10 a.m., Praça Oswaldo Aranha at 9 a.m., and Praça Campo de Bagatelle at 11 a.m.
- Vitória: Praça Costa Pereira with a walk to Sambão do Povo at 8 a.m.
- Curitiba: Praça Eufrásio Correia at 2 p.m.
- Maringá: Shopping Avenida Center at 3 p.m.
- Porto Alegre: Praça Açorianos at 8:30 a.m. and Casa do Gaúcho at 2 p.m.
- Cruz Alta: Praça da Matriz at 3 p.m.
- Blumenau: Igreja Matriz, Rua XV at 4 p.m.
- Florianópolis: Concentration at Escola E.Ε.Β. América Dutra Machado de São José at 1 p.m.
As the Labor Day holiday approaches, the discussions surrounding workers' rights and conditions are more pertinent than ever. The planned demonstrations not only celebrate the achievements of workers but also serve as a platform for advocating necessary changes in labor laws and practices. With the support of unions and movements like VAT, workers are poised to make their voices heard on this important day.
