Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1993, published 80th ILC session (1993)

Minimum Wage Fixing Convention, 1970 (No. 131) - Brazil (Ratification: 1983)

The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in its report. It notes the adoption of Act No. 8.419 of 7 May 1992 respecting the national wages policy, section 10 of which repeals Act No. 8.222 of 5 September 1991 respecting the wages policy and minimum wages. Act No. 8.419 provides for the establishment of an index for the adjustment of minimum wages (IRSM) to be calculated monthly by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics and published by the Ministry of the Economy. The index will be used to establish a wage adjustment factor on the basis of which minimum wages will be adjusted every four months.

In addition, the Committee understands that a new system for adjusting minimum wages came into effect on 1 January 1993, which not only permits the purchasing power of the minimum wage to be maintained but also compensates the future loss by anticipating inflation.

With reference to Article 4 of the Convention, under which member States which ratify the Convention shall make provision for a full consultation with representative organizations of employers and workers in connection with the establishment and operation of the machinery for fixing and adjusting minimum wages, the Committee asks the Government to indicate how such consultations are conducted. It also asks the Government to provide a copy of any new laws or regulations concerning minimum wages, including a copy of the Act which came into force on 1 January 1993.