On eve of May 1, Rousseff announces creation of forum on labor policies

At the beginning of her meeting with representatives from union centers on Friday (Apr 30) at the presidential palace, President Dilma Rousseff listed the policies on employment and income implemented by her administration. She mentioned the increase in the minimum wage, and reminded all those present that a piece of legislation has been submitted to Congress stipulating future adjustments for the 2015-2019 period. She said that, during the four years of her first tenure, because of the policy on the minimum wage adopted in 2011, there was a 14% rise in its value above the inflation. Rousseff pointed out that employment in Brazil was maintained despite the effects of the global economic crisis.

Rousseff once again argued for the fiscal adjustment measure as a means to combat the financial crisis, describing them as anti-cyclical actions with no salary reductions and with an expansion in credit subsidies and public investment. Rousseff stated that the adjustments are necessary now due to international and national factors such as the prolonged dry spell. “We've taken a series of measures and made adjustments because we want to cut down the inflation and grow once again with solid foundations,” she said.

Rousseff announced the creation of the Forum for Debates About Policies on Labor, Income, Employment and Social Security, made up of representatives from union centers, executives, retirees, pensioners, and government officials. She explained that the forum's agenda is to include six topics: sustainability in the social security system; rules for retirement, such as minimum age, time spent as  tax payer contributing to the social security fund, and the so-called social security factor; policies for strengthening labor, employment and income; measures for reducing turnover in the labor market; formalization and enhancement of labor relations; and proposals and policies for boosting productivity.

The president proposed to the union members dialogue as a means to elaborate proposals and consensus in a bid to meet the goals expected. “It'll be our job to find the best strategy and choose the best tool to meet our goals,” she said.

Without making any specific mention of the demonstrations staged by teachers in the city of Curitiba, which left a number of people wounded, among whom both officers and protesters, the president said that “the protests organized by workers are legitimate and we must establish this dialogue peacefully.”

Present at the meeting along with the unionists were Ministers Joaquim Levy (Finance), Carlos Gabas (Social Security), and Nelson Barbosa (Planning), and Chief of Staff Manoel Dias.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira

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