Transformations in Labor Law in 2025

Labor Law In Brazil, significant changes occurred in 2025, reflecting new market realities and contemporary work dynamics.

In this article, we will explore the main transformations, including the "pejotização" (a term referring to the practice of hiring workers as independent contractors to avoid labor laws) and "uberização" (the practice of hiring workers as independent contractors to avoid labor laws), as well as the Supreme Federal Court (STF) decisions that shape the relationship between self-employed workers and digital platforms.

We will also address the inclusion of companies within the same economic group in labor law enforcement proceedings and the strengthening of precedents set by the Superior Labor Court (TST).

Finally, we will discuss relevant proposals, such as reducing working hours and managing psychosocial risks in companies, which will shape the future of work in the country.

Transformations in Labor Law in 2025

In 2025, Labor Law in Brazil underwent profound and significant transformations that directly impacted the relationship between workers and employers. Topics such as... pejotization and the Uberization These issues gained prominence in judicial decisions, reflecting new challenges regarding hiring practices and the protection of labor rights. The Brazilian Supreme Federal Court (STF) adopted a decisive stance by recognizing the general repercussion of Topic 1,389, establishing rigorous criteria to validate the hiring of self-employed workers. This decision is available at [link to decision]. Debates in the Workplace in 2025This was a landmark event that imposed limits on judicial action and reinforced legal certainty in the sector. Furthermore, the discussion surrounding the legal nature of the relationships between digital platform workers and companies highlighted the urgent need to update the legal framework in response to technological and economic innovations. As part of this scenario, important judicial decisions They sought to balance the modernization of labor law with the preservation of social protection, signaling a significant advance in adapting to the new realities of the market.

Outsourcing and Topic 1.389 of the STF (Supreme Federal Court)

The Supreme Federal Court, in recognizing the general repercussion In Topic 1.389, a new perspective was brought to the hiring of self-employed workers through the use of independent contractors (pejotização).

It determined that the practice is lawful when there is no disguise of an employment relationship, thus ensuring... legality of the contract.

To ensure uniformity of understanding and avoid divergent decisions, there was a Suspension of proceedings throughout the country they are discussing the matter.

Thus, the ruling will have binding effects on lower courts, promoting legal certainty and contractual clarity.

This is important because it allows employers to know the limits of their hiring practices, while workers gain objective parameters for defending their rights.

This decision by the Supreme Federal Court reflects the adaptation of labor relations to new market dynamics, particularities that can be seen in the analysis of... material regarding the decision in Topic 1.389, where the practice of "pejotização" (a form of disguised employment) and its implications for modern labor relations are discussed.

Uberization and Connection on Digital Platforms

O Extraordinary Appeal No. 1,446,336 The case under review by the Supreme Federal Court is a landmark for understanding... digital economy, questioning the legal nature of the employment relationship between workers on service platforms.

The controversy revolves around whether these workers should be considered employees or self-employed, a question that has profound implications for labor rights related to vacation, severance pay, and social security.

It is worth highlighting that the judgment contemplates a paradigm where traditional concepts of subordination, characteristic of the classic employment model, are challenged by a scenario where algorithms and automated systems organize work activity.

This complexity reflects the evolution of labor relations in the digital context, which includes deterritorialization and flexible working hours, typical of platforms.

However, the case is not just about securing labor rights; it represents an attempt to balance innovation with worker protection.

This decision could redefine how technology companies operate, creating a more predictable and secure environment.

Put final definitionIt will establish standards and premises that will impact the entire market, serving as a guide for future legislation and business practices, offering enhanced protection to workers in an increasingly digital economic environment.

Economic Group and Labor Enforcement

In 2025, the Supreme Federal Court established a important ruling by establishing that the inclusion of companies from the same economic group in a labor enforcement It is only permitted after the establishment of incident of disregard of legal personality.

This decision aims to ensure that the assets of innocent companies within the group are not unfairly impacted without concrete proof that there was abuse of legal personality aimed at frustrating labor claims.

The Supreme Court's decision promotes greater legal certainty by requiring the plaintiff to provide solid justification before directing enforcement against other companies within the group.

An interesting link about this decision can be found at Felsberg and Associates – Supreme Court Decision on Companies in Economic Groups.

This measure reinforces due process in labor disputes, strengthening the system of precedents and promoting justice between the parties involved in the litigation.

Strengthening the Binding Precedents of the Superior Labor Court (TST)

In 2025, strengthening the system of binding precedents The Superior Labor Court's decision has established itself as an essential milestone in the evolution of Labor Law in Brazil.

This measure provides legal certainty By offering predictability and stability in judicial decisions, it reduces the incidence of repetitive appeals.

This allows companies and workers to anticipate the potential outcomes of labor disputes more accurately, ensuring greater confidence in the legal system.

This aligns with international best practices, promoting efficiency and agility in judicial processes, as evidenced in the National Week of Labor Precedents, where the The Superior Labor Court (TST) has established new binding precedents..

Thus, the court reinforces the importance of uniform case law, promoting greater clarity and consistency in decisions.

Below, a simple table illustrates the improvement achieved through binding precedents:

Proposal for Reducing Working Hours

The discussion about reduction of working hours The labor market in Brazil is gaining new momentum in 2025, reflecting in debates about productivity and worker well-being.

Studies indicate that a shorter workday can not only increase efficiency but also contribute to a healthier and more inclusive work environment, strengthening the... labor rights.

Furthermore, this proposal aims to

• Improve work-life balance.
• Reduce accident rates

Despite the clear advantages, there are significant concerns, especially among industries facing the risk of increased operating costs and loss of international competitiveness.

Implementing this change would require robust cooperation between unions and employers, as highlighted by members of legislative committees discussing the complexity of this transition.

According to one Senate articleThe proposal for a reduced four-day work week is also under discussion, which could signal a significant transformation in how work is organized in Brazil.

Psychosocial Risk Management and the New NR 1

The advancement of occupational health policies in 2025 has imposed on Brazilian companies the adoption of rigorous practices of psychosocial risk management.

With the new wording of NR No. 1With the new law, which will come into effect in 2026, this requirement has become even more essential, obliging organizations to identify and mitigate risk factors such as workplace harassment, work overload, and stress.

The goal of these changes is to prevent mental illness and promote healthy work environments.

The standard establishes that prevention programs should be incorporated into the occupational health and safety management system, integrating continuous evaluation, effective training, and systematic monitoring of indicators.

This transformation reinforces the mental health protection of workers, aligning Brazil with international prevention standards.

Furthermore, according to the Occupational Risk Management and the Protection of Mental HealthCompanies must review their management methods, paying more attention to the mental well-being of their employees, thus ensuring a safer and more humane work environment.

Labor Law In Brazil, the landscape continues to evolve, with new rules and interpretations aimed at ensuring the protection of workers and legal certainty in labor relations.

These transformations reveal the importance of keeping up with social changes and the impact of technology on the labor market.