Embraer Defines Return to In-Person Work Without Agreement With Workers, Generating Union Resistance and Legal Actions for Unnegotiated Changes.
The Metalworkers’ Union of São José dos Campos and Region filed a class action against Embraer after the company’s decision to resume in-person work starting in January 2026. Since the pandemic, employees had been working remotely, and the change was communicated without prior agreement with the workers, according to a report by O Globo.
The decision generated criticism and protests, as alternative proposals presented by the union were ignored. Among them were maintaining remote work for those who live far away or have health issues and adopting a hybrid system for others. Despite this, Embraer continued to require physical presence at least three days a week.
Union Presses for Negotiation
The union, led by Herbert Claros, claims it attempted to negotiate with Embraer’s Board of Directors and even with the Ministry of Labor, but was unsuccessful. The workers approved a hybrid model proposal in a meeting, but the company remained firm in its decision for a full return.
-
Petrobras raises piped gas by 19.2%, and the increase for distributors may pressure bills for homes, businesses, and CNG.
-
Brazil-China: understand how China’s new plan, rising oil prices, and the green transition can open a new phase for Brazil
-
Brazil stood still: while global GDP per capita soared 675% since 1980, the country grew only 428%, lost ground since 2015, and today could have 42% higher income, with an additional US$ 13.4 thousand per inhabitant.
-
Selic at 14.5% starts a new economic cycle in Brazil with a direct impact on investments, inflation under pressure, rising oil prices, and strategic changes in portfolios.
According to Embraer, in-person work is necessary to expedite communication, strengthen team bonds, and improve collaboration between sectors. For the company, the measure aligns with a growth period after recording one of the best years in its history.
Financial Aid in Dispute
Another point of contention is the end of the 900 BRL shopping voucher that employees received during the remote period. The benefit helped with food expenses and bills for internet, electricity, and water. For the union, the removal of the aid represents a significant loss in workers’ income.
Furthermore, the entity demands that specific clauses regarding remote work be included in base date negotiations. The initial hearing of the legal process does not yet have a defined date.
Dispute Reflects Post-Pandemic Scenario
The action against Embraer symbolizes a broader conflict: the redefinition of the post-pandemic work model. Companies that experienced significant gains in the recent period, such as Embraer, face resistance when imposing a return to in-person work without dialogue with employees.
The outcome of this process could set a precedent for other companies in Brazil, as in-person work continues to be a topic of strong tension between corporate productivity and employees’ quality of life.
Do you agree with this change? Do you think the end of remote work impacts the Brazilian job market? Leave your opinion in the comments — we want to hear from those who live this reality firsthand.

Que tal então a Embraer mas as pessas para os empregados montarem os aviões em suas casas então
A Empresa já mudará parte da produção para os Estados Unidos, devido aos problemas que o governo cria com suas políticas fracassadas, com essas intervenções do sindicato, vai acabar é se mudando completamente para lá. Mas aí é simples, é só fazer o L que ficará tudo bem!
Então,esse povo não quer trabalhar, exigem uma monte de coisas e que mamata, daqui a pouco se fechar a Fábrica ficarão desempregados aí eu quero ver.😒