Clipping of news on Brazilian Culture, Law and Citizenship
12/2/2010
This article was translated by an automatic translation system, and was therefore not reviewed by people.
The Department of Statistics and Socioeconomic Studies (Dieese) issued a statement Thursday in which advocates the adoption by Congress of a proposed amendment to the Constitution (PEC), reducing the workday from 44 hours to 40 hours per week. The institution supports the research and thesis numbers of parties such as the PDT and PCdoB, for whom the initiative will not bring harm to the competitiveness of Brazilian companies do not represent an increase in the total cost of production. "The cost of wages in Brazil is very low compared with other countries. Thus, the reduction of working hours would not bring harm to Brazilian companies," the statement said.
According to Dieese, the hourly cost of manufacturing labor in Brazil is US$ 5.96, well below those paid to workers in Germany (US$ 37.66) or the United Kingdom (US$ 29.73 ). "The share of wages in total cost of production in Brazil is low, around 22%.
A reduction of 9,09% on the journey would be an increase in total production costs of only 1.99%, testifies to the institution. The Dieese recommends that, along with working fewer hours, is approved as to restrain and limit the use overtime. "The end of overtime would have a potential to generate about 1 million jobs," he said.
The organization also claims that the reduction of work hours contribute to the qualification of the worker, given a growing demand from the productive sector. "The reduction of working hours would release more hours so that workers had better conditions to qualify," he said. "In addition, workers will devote more time for family, study, leisure and relaxation, improving the quality of life."
The Dieese concludes the statement by betting that the initiative would lead to the creation of a virtuous cycle in the economy, by expanding employment, increasing domestic consumption and improving the competitiveness of the productive sector. "Finally, greater economic growth with improved income distribution," resume.
The proposed reduction of working hours is present in the agenda of discussions of unions for 17 years. Now, in an election year, the unions threaten to strike across the country to force Congress to approve the measure. Employers and the Federation of Industries of Sao Paulo State (FIESP) do not accept to negotiate the proposal. The workers charge a date for adoption of the PEC, which has not yet been defined. Worker representatives say they are willing to negotiate a gradually reduce the working week to 40 hours.
Source: Agência Estado
This article was translated by an automatic translation system, and was therefore not reviewed by people.