Brazil regional labor court staffing shortages

Officials and representatives recently highlighted a critical staff shortage and a backlog of nearly 1 million pending cases at the Regional Labor Court of the 2nd Region (TRT-2) in São Paulo. Federal Deputy Professora Luciene Cavalcante reported a deficit of 488 employees at the court, which handles 19% of all labor lawsuits in Brazil. Representatives for approved candidates noted that approximately 5,300 people are awaiting appointment, warning that the shortage hinders access to justice and causes increased labor overload and illness among staff.

In response to staffing needs, the Superior Council of Labor Justice (CSJT) has authorized the filling of 300 positions across Regional Labor Courts throughout Brazil. Minister Vieira de Mello Filho announced that the allocation of these positions will be based on technical criteria, specifically focusing on judicial workload. These positions were included in the 2026 Budget Law and are expected to facilitate the appointment of candidates who have already passed existing public service examinations.