Brazilian union membership declines amid political shifts

Recent data from the IBGE reveals a significant decline in Brazilian union membership. According to the 2025 labor inventory, only 9.1 million people are unionized out of 103 million workers, representing a 36.7% drop in affiliations since 2012. This decline has persisted despite the long-term political influence of the Workers' Party (PT) and President Lula.

While the 2017 labor reform is cited as a factor that accelerated the erosion of union bases by flexing membership and remuneration rules, data shows that unionization rates were already trending downward prior to the reform. The decline is also attributed to the resistance of union elites to shifts in the labor market caused by the digital revolution, particularly within the industrial sector.

In the political sphere, union leaders such as Josinaldo José de Barros, president of the Metalworkers' Union of Guarulhos and Region, are actively campaigning for President Lula's reelection. Leaders argue that Lula's administration prioritizes workers' rights, such as income tax exemptions for lower earners, and advocate for policies like reducing the workweek to 40 hours.