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The Heating of Construction in Brazil Faces Worker Shortages. Business Owners Propose Changes to Bolsa Família Rules to Attract Beneficiaries to the Formal Market Without Losing Benefits.
The construction sector in Brazil is facing an unusual and alarming challenge: the shortage of workers on construction sites.
Despite a heated economic scenario and the sector on the verge of hitting historical records, a surprising factor is discouraging job seekers in the industry.
The answer to this situation directly relates to the impacts of social programs, especially Bolsa Família, on the dynamics of the labor market.
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The problem, which has recently gained attention, has led construction companies and unions to devise measures to reverse the situation.
As reported by the newspaper Folha Vitória this Monday (9), the proposal in development aims to create incentives for Bolsa Família beneficiaries to feel more confident entering the formal market without losing the financial security guaranteed by the program.
The Dilemma Between Social Benefits and the Labor Market
Currently, Bolsa Família serves about 20.7 million families in Brazil, with an average value of R$ 684 per month.
To be eligible, the income per person must be up to R$ 218 per month, making the benefit an essential tool in combating extreme poverty.
However, its interaction with the formal labor market raises concerns among construction business owners.
Rubens Menin, founder of MRV, described the program as a “competitor” to the sector.
According to him, the current dynamic causes many beneficiaries to choose to remain outside the formal labor market to avoid the risk of losing assistance.
“We need social programs in Brazil, but they are our competitors,” Menin stated.
He also emphasized that the sector has invested in training, productivity, and job quality to attract more workers.
Record Employment, but a Lack of Labor
The construction sector is undergoing a booming moment, generating 2.9 million formal jobs, the highest number in a decade.
This has been driven by residential and commercial projects, including the Minha Casa, Minha Vida program.
Still, the sector has been unable to fill its vacancies due to a lack of qualified labor.
The president of the Housing Union (Secovi-SP), Rodrigo Luna, also advocated for the need for changes.
“We need to create policies that restore people’s dignity and provide opportunities for them to become self-sufficient,” Luna said.
He suggested presenting a formal proposal to the government, which would include campaigns about the advantages of working in construction and measures to relax Bolsa Família parameters.
The Rules That Help, but Do Not Solve
Since 2023, Bolsa Família has included the so-called “Protection Rule,” which allows families to continue receiving benefits even after income increases.
This rule guarantees 50% of the regular aid amount for up to 24 months, provided that the per capita income does not exceed half a minimum wage (R$ 706).
The goal is to stimulate formal work, but, according to experts, it is still not sufficient.
Laura Muller Machado, a professor at Insper and a public policy specialist, praised the role of Bolsa Família in combating poverty but pointed out structural flaws.
“Transitioning from benefits to the labor market is difficult. The market is uncertain, and jobs often do not provide sufficient security,” she argued.
For her, a solution would be to offer rewards and a gradual reduction of benefits instead of an abrupt halt.
The Side of Informal Workers
A survey by the Ministry of Social Development showed that 13.5% of Bolsa Família beneficiary families have a member with a formal job.
Moreover, beneficiaries accounted for 56% of the 1.5 million formal positions created this year.
However, many still remain in informal positions, such as gardeners, delivery workers, and masons, making it difficult to obtain accurate data on their participation in the market.
According to Luna, the construction sector offers attractive opportunities. He highlighted that starting salaries in the field reach R$ 2,315, second only to finance and public administration.
Additionally, skilled professionals, such as carpentry workers, can earn more than R$ 10,000 per project.
The Proposal from Construction Companies
The solution proposed by the sector is still in the early stages but already includes the idea of launching a campaign to raise awareness about the benefits of working in construction.
Another point is to seek changes in Bolsa Família rules to encourage beneficiaries to migrate to the formal market without completely losing benefits.
Business owners warn that without changes, the lack of qualified workers could lead to inflation and compromise the sector’s production.
Menin emphasized the seriousness of the situation: “We have had difficulties with labor in the past, and if we do nothing, we will have problems again.”
The collaboration between government, businesses, and specialists will be essential to find a balance between maintaining social programs and promoting opportunities in the job market.
Is the Relaxation of Bolsa Família the Solution to Address the Labor Shortage in Construction?
Que reportagem ruim. O que falta é um salário digno, pagar adequadamente as pessoas, e parar de ficar com esses lucros exorbitantes. Trabalhei na construção civil na NZ, e jamais aceitaria deixar de trabalhar pra receber auxílio, vc vive muito bem com o salário mínimo lá, trabalhando com qualquer coisa. Gente, são 600 reais! Adicional de 50 reais por filho (100 só se ele tiver menos de 7 anos) vc vive com 600 reais? Não, isso é só sobrevivência. Duvido que se pagasse 5k, escala 5×2, vale alimentação e refeição não resolvia o problema. Problema são as condições de trabalho. Falar essas ladainhas é um desserviço.
Sou carpinteiro desde 2014 tenho espereiencia na construção civil tenho muito interesse na oportunidade..quero mais informações por favor alguém me direcione
Eu sei o básico na área marceneiro