Brazil mandates collective bargaining for retail operations on holidays

Brazil's Ministry of Labor and Employment has issued a regulation requiring that retail businesses can only open on public holidays if a collective bargaining agreement specifically authorizes it. The rule, signed by minister Luiz Marinho, took effect immediately and replaces any unilateral employer decision; violations can trigger inspections and fines.

The regulation lists sectors exempt from the requirement, such as tourism agencies, bars, pharmacies, hotels, fuel stations, restaurants and several others, which may operate on holidays without a collective agreement. Employers must still observe the CLT and municipal laws, and compensatory leave stipulated in agreements cannot be replaced by double pay.

Separately, Brazil's 2026 national holiday calendar shows Independence Day on Monday, September 7, creating a three‑day weekend, along with other weekdays that produce additional long weekends for workers. On the current Labor Day (May 1), most state services and schools are closed, with only essential services like hospitals and public security remaining open, and public transport running on weekend schedules.