Senate postpones vote on Apprentice Statute after senatorial view requests

The Senate’s Commission of Social Affairs (CAS) delayed voting on Bill PL 6461/2019, which would create a National Apprentice Statute. The postponement followed individual requests for a view by senators Jaime Bagattoli (PL‑RO), Laércio Oliveira (PP‑SE) and Marcos Pontes (PL‑SP) on 15 July. Consequently, the commission’s deliberation was suspended and the bill will return to the agenda at the next committee meeting, as indicated by commission president Senator Marcelo Castro (MDB‑PI).

The statute, already approved by the Chamber of Deputies, targets young people aged 14‑24 and persons with disabilities. It sets rules for apprentices’ working hours, guarantees rights such as transport vouchers and job security for pregnant apprentices, and outlines conditions for contract termination. It also expands optional hiring for micro‑enterprises, small firms, NGOs, public‑sector bodies and rural employers, among others, aiming to increase qualified workforce formation and keep youth in school.

If passed, the law would amend the Consolidated Labor Laws (CLT) and related legislation to unify and clarify apprenticeship norms across Brazil.