Brazil: Industrial relations profile

Characterised by large and well-developed agricultural, mining, manufacturing and service sectors, Brazil’s economy outweighs that of all other South American countries. The government continues to play an extremely important role in the Brazilian system of labour relations. The legislative branch of the government has a tradition of intervening in the labour market, issuing laws and regulations with the declared objective of protecting workers, resulting in extremely detailed and protective legislation. The judiciary also plays an essential role.