Brazil digital platform labor growth and rights debate

Data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) indicates that approximately 2 million Brazilians are engaged in platform-based work, representing about 1.9% of the employed population. This sector has experienced substantial growth, increasing 36.8% since 2022. Passenger transport remains the largest segment, followed by food and product delivery.

The rise in digital platform employment has intensified debates regarding labor rights and working conditions. Research highlights significant disparities compared to traditional employment, noting that informal labor rates among platform workers reach 72.1%, while only 34% possess social security coverage. Additionally, platform workers earn an average of R$ 16.20 per hour, which is 12% less than the R$ 18.40 earned by non-platform workers.

Legal and international discussions are also shaping the landscape. The conversation in Brazil is being influenced by International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 193, which promotes decent work and collective bargaining. While the Brazilian Supreme Federal Court has paused certain judgments involving companies such as Uber and Rappi to consider these international standards, the convention requires formal ratification by Congress and the President to become law.