Reflections on the organization of the Brazilian union in the age of the precariat

Tiago Seixas Themudo,Ana Virgínia Porto De Freitas

doi:10.1590/2179-8966/2020/44613

Tiago Seixas Themudo, Ana Virgínia Porto De Freitas

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/2179-8966/2020/44613

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Abstract

Abstract This study discusses the paradigmatic shift in the world of work triggered by globalization and the use of telematics and assesses the (in)adequacy of the Brazilian union model to represent the new class of precarious workers. We carried out an exploratory study using a systemic and deductive approach to review bibliographic sources and legislative texts. A perspective of redefinition of the union movement is proposed and we emphasize the importance of collective autonomy as an institute of Private Law for the reconstruction of pacts of collective organization against hegemonies.

Highlights

The growing influence of globalization and technological innovations on all economic sectors has been subject to analysis in the various fields of economic, social and legal knowledge. Such phenomena span multiple dimensions and have had important repercussions for the world of work, such as the creation of new forms and structures of production, which have an impact on the work of unions that, as private organizations, are destined to defend the fundamental rights of workers (ROMITA, 2005)
By recognizing collective bargaining conventions and agreements as workers’ rights and prescribing the mandatory participation of unions in their development process, the Federal Constitution, within the scope of Labor Law, has recognized the normative power of intermediate bodies formed from employment relationships, thereby consolidating the private collective autonomy (SANTOS, 2009)
Faced with the global crises of capitalism and informal labor market and the growing mass of self-employed workers, the Brazilian union model, based solely on subordinate and categorized employment, is increasingly experiencing the inability to respond to the social demands of the world of work and is being forced to keep stagnated or act using defensive strategies (ANDRADE, 2005)

Summary

Introduction

The growing influence of globalization and technological innovations on all economic sectors has been subject to analysis in the various fields of economic, social and legal knowledge. By recognizing collective bargaining conventions and agreements as workers’ rights and prescribing the mandatory participation of unions in their development process, the Federal Constitution, within the scope of Labor Law, has recognized the normative power of intermediate bodies formed from employment relationships, thereby consolidating the private collective autonomy (SANTOS, 2009).

Results

Conclusion