Committee approves unemployment insurance for seasonal rural workers.

The Labor Committee of the Chamber of Deputies approved a bill that guarantees unemployment insurance payments to seasonal rural workers. The proposal amends Law 7.998/90, which regulates the benefit and the wage bonus. The text will now be analyzed by other committees.

The committee approved the substitute bill presented by rapporteur, Representative Ricardo Maia (MDB-BA), to Bill 714/19, authored by former Representative Marília Arraes (PE). The new wording preserves the objectives of the original initiative. According to the rapporteur, the measure addresses the needs of workers marked by seasonality and economic vulnerability.

The text provides for a phased granting of the benefit, according to the length of service under a seasonal contract. The request may only be made once a year. Those who work for more than two up to four months will be entitled to two installments. Contracts exceeding four months will guarantee three installments, with a limit of six months.

The proposal is being processed in a conclusive manner. It will still go through the Finance and Taxation Committee and the Constitution, Justice and Citizenship Committee. To become law, it will depend on approval in the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.