Brazil mandates collective bargaining for retail work on holidays

The Ministry of Labor and Employment (MTE) issued a new portaria on 21 July 2026, signed by Minister Luiz Marinho, that requires retail establishments to obtain authorization through a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CCT) before operating on public holidays. The regulation, effective immediately on 22 July, restores permanent authorizations for a list of essential services—including bakeries, pharmacies, florists, barbers, fuel stations, LPG retailers, hotels, restaurants, bars, fairs, laundries and funeral services—allowing them to open without a CCT. All other commercial sectors, such as supermarkets and general retail, must negotiate CCTs with the respective unions; where no union exists, a federation or confederation may sign on their behalf.

The rule aims to strengthen collective bargaining, provide clearer legal certainty for employers and employees, and align holiday work conditions with the Consolidated Labor Laws. Parliamentary representatives from the Frente Parlamentar de Comércio e Serviços have criticised the measure, calling it a source of legal uncertainty and urging legislative action to codify permanent standards.

The portaria applies nationwide across Brazil’s retail sector, affecting thousands of businesses and workers while maintaining existing Sunday‑work regulations unchanged.