Brazil's Labor Public Ministry affirms union political rights

The Brazilian Labor Public Ministry (MPT) has issued Technical Note PGT/MPT nº 6/2026, reaffirming the right of trade unions to participate in political and electoral debates. Signed by Prosecutor General Gláucio Araújo de Oliveira, the document emphasizes that union freedom, as guaranteed by the Federal Constitution, extends beyond wage negotiations to include participation in discussions regarding economic, social, pension, tax, and labor policies.

The note highlights the necessity of protecting representative entities from undue intervention, harassment, and political discrimination, particularly during electoral processes. It asserts that unions have the autonomy to formulate agendas, hold assemblies, and evaluate government programs that impact the working class.

This guidance follows criticism from the National Confederation of Financial Sector Workers (Contraf-CUT) regarding legal actions aimed at restricting the activities of unions and social movements. The MPT aims to ensure that such actions do not compromise the constitutional role of these organizations in debating issues of interest to workers.