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Supermarkets In Brazil Are Suffering From The Lack Of Labor. 8 Out Of 10 Essential Positions Do Not Have Sufficient Professionals, Affecting The Operation Of Stores.
Supermarkets in Brazil are facing a serious problem of labor shortage, struggling to fill 8 out of the 10 main occupations, which represent almost 70% of the workforce in these establishments.
This situation was revealed by a survey from the National Confederation of Goods Commerce (CNC), released on March 11, 2025, at the request of the newspaper Estadão.
The study points out that several factors have contributed to this challenging scenario, directly affecting the operation of supermarkets and customer service.
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The lack of workers not only impacts the retail sector but also creates a ripple effect that affects consumers, suppliers, and the entire supply chain.
With fewer professionals to perform essential functions, supermarkets have recorded increased wait times in lines, decreased quality of service, and even difficulties in restocking products.
Main Positions Affected By The Shortage
According to CNC, the positions that suffer the most from the lack of workers are:
- Cashier
- Baker
- Butcher
- Packer
- Stock Clerk
- Store Attendant
- Salesperson
- Food Service Assistant
These roles are crucial for the daily operations of the sector, and the lack of professionals has led establishments to overload existing workers and seek alternative solutions.
What Is Causing The Labor Shortage?
The CNC study highlights two main factors explaining this difficulty:
Low Unemployment Rate
The latest survey from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) showed that the unemployment rate among the Economically Active Population was 6.5% for the quarter ending January 2025.
This means there are fewer people actively seeking formal employment.
Preference For Informal Jobs
Many young people are opting for informal jobs, such as app deliveries and freelance work, which offer more flexible hours and, in some cases, more attractive earnings.
Additionally, there is an ongoing cultural shift: the new generation seeks more autonomy, quality of life, and rapid growth opportunities, something that traditional retail often cannot provide immediately.
Salaries And Market Participation
The CNC research also analyzed the starting salary for each of these occupations and the salary variation over the past year. See the data below:
| Occupation | Starting Salary (Dec. 2024 – R$) | Salary Variation (Dec. 2023 – Dec. 2024 – %) | Participation In Total Employment (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cashier | 1,683.43 | 6.85% | 17.57% |
| Stock Clerk | 1,660.64 | 6.61% | 15.03% |
| Store Attendant | 1,683.31 | 6.89% | 10.29% |
| Salesperson | 1,842.96 | 13.69% | 6.87% |
| Butcher | 1,899.53 | 7.17% | 6.82% |
| Food Service Assistant | 1,709.48 | 6.71% | 2.68% |
| Packer | 1,435.27 | 8.34% | 2.66% |
| Baker | 1,988.21 | 7.55% | 2.35% |
| Snack Bar Attendant | 1,651.00 | 4.55% | 2.38% |
| Cleaner | 1,620.97 | 4.33% | 2.28% |
How Are Supermarkets Dealing With The Lack Of Workers?
To mitigate this shortage, supermarkets have adopted some strategies, such as:
Automation And Self-Service
Many chains are investing in self-checkouts and kiosks to reduce dependence on cashiers.
Partnerships With Educational Institutions
Some chains are forming agreements with technical schools to train young people in roles such as bakers and butchers.
Benefits And Incentives
Supermarkets have started offering career plans, internal training, and advantages such as more robust food vouchers to attract candidates.
The Impact Of The Worker Shortage On Consumers
With the labor shortage, supermarkets may face higher prices, longer lines, and reduced quality of service.
Additionally, the workload for remaining employees can directly impact the efficiency and well-being of these workers.
For consumers, this means potentially slower service and possibly an increase in product prices, as companies will need to offer more competitive salaries to attract workers.
The Future Of The Job Market In Supermarkets
The trend is that the search for professionals will continue to be a challenge for supermarkets in the coming years.
As the job market evolves, new strategies will need to be implemented to make these careers more attractive and ensure that the demand for labor is met.
Claro salários assim que a pessoa não consegue nem arcar com as despesas básicas , tá todo mundo fugindo.
Olha esses salários ridículos. E aposto que é uma escala 6×1!
Tem que boicotar mesmo.