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Luiz Marinho, Minister of Labor and Employment, stated at a public hearing in the Senate Human Rights Commission (CDH) that he is about to present a proposal to regulate the situation of workers operating through apps. He committed to doing so within a timeframe of up to 15 days, even in the absence of an agreement with companies in the sector.
Ongoing Negotiations with App-Based Work Sectors
Marinho informed that there are already agreements established with passenger transport apps; however, negotiations with delivery apps have been more challenging. He emphasized that the passenger transport sector is close to a consensus, but the regulation for delivery workers faces obstacles.
“We are practically in agreement with the four-wheeled app sector for passenger transport. The foundations are okay. They even wanted us to make the announcement on Thursday; but I said ‘I won’t announce until I have the text of the agreement so that I can endorse, sign, and turn it into a bill to send to the National Congress’”, explained the minister.
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However, the situation is different when it comes to delivery apps, where there has yet to be a consensus. Marinho suggested that it may be necessary for the National Congress to intervene in the matter, arbitrating the measures to be adopted, as companies in the sector have been resistant to regulatory proposals.
Uber and Its Continued Presence in Brazil
Regarding Uber, one of the most well-known companies in the segment, the minister stated that he does not believe the company will leave Brazil after regulation. He highlighted that Uber considers Brazil its number one market and that the company’s exit is not a topic under serious discussion.
Marinho also emphasized that if any company chooses to leave the country, the space will be filled by others. He pointed out that this is a possibility that applies to any company in the sector.
In previous hearings, the minister had already stated that if Uber decides to leave Brazil, it would be a matter of the company’s choice, without the government taking measures to prevent it.
The regulation of app-based work is a topic of great importance and impact on the labor market, and the proposal to be presented by Minister Marinho in the coming days should bring more clarity and guidelines for this mode of work.
