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Minimum wage exceeds R$1.800 after 5,25% adjustment! Measure impacts workers. While some celebrate, others question whether the increase really covers economic losses.
Ensuring adequate purchasing power for workers is one of the major economic challenges faced by Brazilian states.
Amid a scenario of inflation and high costs of living, salary adjustments become a central topic in political and economic discussions.
Recently, a decision taken by the Legislative Assembly of Rio Grande do Sul generated great repercussions among unions, employers and workers.
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Salary adjustment approved by the Legislature
The Legislative Assembly of Rio Grande do Sul approved an increase of 5,25% on the regional minimum wage, raising the value above R$1.800.
This measure directly impacts around 1,2 million workers in the state.
Now, the proposal awaits the sanction of Governor Eduardo Leite to come into force. The vote recorded 40 votes in favor and three against, demonstrating significant support for change.
The adjustment generated intense debates in the legislative house, as different sectors defended different rates.
For some, the increase could be greater, in line with accumulated inflation, while for others, a high adjustment could compromise the economic sustainability of small and medium-sized employers.
Impacted sectors and political debates
The adjustment affects several categories, especially workers in domestic and rural sectors, which depend on the regional minimum wage.
For these workers, an increase in the minimum wage means greater financial stability and greater purchasing power.
However, the decision also generated intense debates between class entities and political parties, who disagreed on the approved percentage.
Disagreements over the percentage of the increase
The discussion about the percentage of the increase was one of the main points of conflict.
Guiomar Vidor, president of the Central of Workers of Brazil (CTB), highlighted that the adjustment is not enough to cover the economic losses accumulated in recent years.
“The regional minimum wage should guarantee inflation compensation and provide real gains for workers. Unfortunately, the approved percentage is still below what we consider ideal,” said Vidor.
The opposition suggested an increase of 9%, but the proposal was rejected.
The approved percentage was considered a balance between workers' demands and employers' financial capacity.
According to economists, high adjustments without planning can lead to an increase in unemployment, hindering the state's economic recovery.
Government justification for the 5,25% percentage
O Vice-Governor Gabriel Souza explained that the percentage of 5,25% was chosen to ensure a viable increase without compromising the economy and job creation.
According to him, a larger adjustment could negatively impact the job market and create difficulties for companies in retaining their employees.
“Our goal is to balance the appreciation of workers without creating negative impacts on employability. We need to ensure that companies are able to pay salaries without compromising their businesses,” the vice-governor highlighted.
Impact of the adjustment on the local economy
With an increase in the regional minimum wage, local commerce and services can feel positive effects.
Experts point out that a higher salary contributes to the growth of consumption, strengthening the domestic economy.
However, employer sectors are concerned about possible difficulties for small business owners in absorbing the extra cost.
Importance of regional minimum wage
Unlike the national minimum wage, the regional minimum wage seeks to guarantee better salary conditions for categories that do not have collective bargaining.
It serves as a reference for several sectors, helping to reduce wage inequalities and ensuring a fairer remuneration.
Benefits of the regional minimum wage
- Fair remuneration: Higher salaries for specific categories.
- Increased purchasing power: Greater consumption boosts the local economy.
- Professional appreciation: Combat wage exploitation.
- Cost of living adequacy: Helps workers in high-cost regions.
- Boost to the local economy: More money in circulation benefits commerce and services.
- Reducing inequalities: Minimizes wage discrepancies within the state.
- Social security benefits: It has a positive impact on future retirement.
States that adopt the regional minimum wage
Rio Grande do Sul is not the only Brazilian state with a regional minimum wage.
São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Paraná and Santa Catarina also apply this policy, ensuring better financial conditions for workers in locations with a higher cost of living.
This measure strengthens the professional appreciation and stimulates local economic growth.
With approval in the Legislative Assembly, the adjustment now awaits sanction of Governor Eduardo Leite. If approved, the new values should come into effect in the coming months.
Labor entities promise to continue pressing for increases that guarantee greater real gains, while the business sector evaluates strategies to adapt to the new reality.
Excellent proposal and this will bring more resources to the state, will contribute to trade, increased consumption and revenue.