Hello! Welcome to our blog. If you work or plan to work in Brazil, it’s crucial to understand your labor rights. Brazilian law guarantees several mandatory benefits, and many companies offer additional benefits to attract and retain talent. Let’s explore the main ones!
Mandatory Legal Benefits
These are the rights guaranteed by the Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT) and cannot be negotiated to provide less.
- Minimum Wage: Every worker must receive a base amount, adjusted annually by the government.
- 13th Salary: An annual bonus paid in two installments, usually in November and December, equivalent to one monthly salary.
- Paid Vacation: After 12 months of work, the employee is entitled to 30 days of paid vacation, with an additional 1/3 of their salary.
- FGTS (Severance Indemnity Fund): The employer must deposit 8% of the worker’s monthly salary into a specific account, which can be withdrawn in cases such as unfair dismissal, home purchase, or retirement.
- Transportation Voucher: The company must cover the commuting costs between the employee’s home and work. The worker may contribute up to 6% of their salary for this benefit.
- Maternity and Paternity Leave: Mothers are entitled to 120 days of leave, and fathers to 5 days (which can be extended in some companies).
- Notice Period: In case of dismissal without just cause, the worker is entitled to a 30-day notice period, which can increase by 3 days per year of service, up to a maximum of 90 days.
- Hazard and Risk Pay: Workers in dangerous or hazardous conditions are entitled to additional pay.
- Paid Leave: Paid time off may be granted in specific situations, such as through individual or collective agreements.
Additional Benefits (Not Legally Required)
Many companies offer additional benefits to attract and retain talent, or as required by labor agreements with unions.
- Health and Dental Insurance: Medical and dental coverage for employees and often their dependents.
- Meal/Meal Voucher: Assistance with daily meal costs.
- Private Pension Plan: A supplementary retirement plan to the official system.
- Life Insurance: Financial protection for the worker and their family in case of unforeseen events.
- Profit Sharing (PLR): A bonus based on the company’s performance.
- Home Office and Flexible Hours: Options that provide a better work-life balance.
- Salary Adjustments: Agreements between unions and employers for salary adjustments above inflation.
- Specific Minimum Wage: Minimum salary amounts set for specific categories in collective agreements.
- Extra Leave and Food Parcel: Additional benefits negotiated between unions and employers.
Collective Labor Agreements
It is important to know that agreements between unions and employers (collective labor agreements) can establish additional benefits and more advantageous conditions for workers.
Knowing your rights and the benefits that may be offered is essential to ensure fair treatment and a healthy and productive work relationship. If you have any questions or need guidance, please contact ORGATEC!