Ministro do Trabalho fala sobre regulação de aplicativos de transporte e entrega.

The ongoing debate surrounding the regulation of services provided by transportation and delivery app companies is still a hot topic. The overarching goal of these regulations is to ensure that drivers and delivery personnel are given much-needed protection. In a recent interview with UOL, Brazil’s Minister of Labour and Employment, Luiz Marinho, announced that a group has been formed to create a system that would provide social protection for these workers.

The use of such platforms gained massive attention, especially during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic. Due to the various shelter-in-place orders mandated by the government to help control the spread of the virus, many Brazilians relied heavily on these apps. However, the resulting working conditions were less than favourable, leading to a nationwide strike among delivery workers. During the last election year, this issue became a crucial point in the discussion, and now, the government is mandated to create regulations.

According to the minister, the regulation proposal could be released before 2024. He emphasises the need to regulate issues such as overtime, compensation, and social safety. The workgroup in question has already explored all sides of this discussion, including the perspectives of the companies and the workers, in order to develop the different stages of their project.

One major concern among workers is if these regulations would drive app companies away from the country. But Marinho stated that this would not be the case as the platforms have already acknowledged the need for adjustments, and will be willing to make them going forward.

During the course of the interview, the minister also touched on the topic of total deregulation. While many argue that the workers are essentially entrepreneurs, Marinho viewed this perspective with scepticism. He went on to question the type of entrepreneurship that drivers for companies like Uber are undertaking.

Moreover, the minister indicates that all entrepreneurs associated with slave-like working conditions would bear the brunt of the punishments; thus expanding the scope of the penalties beyond just the companies.

These regulations will seek to provide protection for drivers and delivery personnel who are often left vulnerable in their line of work. Marinho and the workgroup hope to create a system that will balance the needs of both workers and companies. This would ultimately create a more reliable transportation and delivery service in the country.

It is important to note that fair work conditions should always be a top priority in any industry. Companies and workers must work together to ensure that everyone is treated fairly, both financially and socially. Regulating these app companies is a crucial step forward in securing the future of the ride-sharing and delivery industry in Brazil.