Against Bill 4330

April 15, 2015 will be a pivotal day for intensifying and expanding collective actions, solidarity, and struggles by workers in Brazil.

After 10 years of processing in the National Congress, ignoring the proposals of the trade union federations and disrespecting the rights and dignity of workers, on April 8th the Chamber of Deputies approved the base text of Bill 4330, which expands outsourcing to all activities, including so-called core activities.

Business representatives in Congress accept and endorse the argument that workers have too many rights, which makes employment more expensive in Brazil. This, in turn, means that it reduces the greedy profits of companies.

Behind claims that outsourcing increases employability and that the approved legislation guarantees rights are compelling facts: Bill 4330 does not expand the rights of outsourced workers, but rather has the opposite effect: it diminishes them; subsidiary liability does not protect the worker who, when their rights are not recognized, has to resort to the courts; the exploitation of outsourced workers will only worsen with the implementation of Bill 4330. Outsourced companies reduce costs by decreasing protective equipment, training, and wages, while increasing exploitation and removing rights.

Since the proposal was brought to the Chamber by businessman Sandro Mabel, CUT has sought debate and negotiation. However, deputies disregarded any dialogue and affronted workers and their rights by approving the bill.

Therefore, the CUT leadership and other labor unions, along with workers and social movements, have called for a National Day of Paralysis on April 15th in protest against the Outsourcing Bill. This bill will be sent to the Chamber of Deputies for amendments by the "representatives of the people" and then forwarded to the Senate.

Let's stay alert. This is a time for action and reaction, because, as argued by Judge Grijalbo Fernandes Coutinho of the 10th Regional Labor Court, outsourcing has two very clear purposes: economic and political. Economically, it allows for even greater exploitation of labor, and the political objective is to divide workers and fragment their union representation. Therefore, a firm and decisive struggle is indispensable. What seemed far from us is now knocking at our door. Outsourcing, if the substitute bill proposed by Congressman Arthur Maia is approved, will affect all categories of workers, without any limitations or criteria. This concerns all of us.

In defense of the working class and against Bill 4330, April 15th is a day of strike and struggle.