Senate allows seasonal workers to work without losing social benefits.

The Senate yesterday approved a bill that removes seasonal contract remuneration from the calculation of family income used to maintain social benefits. The measure allows seasonal workers to accept seasonal jobs without risking the loss of access to programs such as Bolsa Família. The text (PL 715/2023) returns to the Chamber of Deputies for further evaluation.

Seasonal worker refers to a rural worker hired for a fixed term, during planting, harvesting, and other activities. The author of the proposal is Congressman Zé Vitor (PL-MG). The rapporteur in the Senate, Jaime Bagattoli (PL-RO), adjusted the text after negotiations with representatives of the federal government.

Bagattoli incorporated an amendment presented by Mecias de Jesus (Republicanos-RR). The amendment exempts the employer from providing information about the harvest contract for the purpose of maintaining social benefits until the government regulates the specific field of eSocial. The rapporteur stated that the rule avoids bureaucratic obstacles and guarantees immediate access to the right.

Bagattoli stated that the approval of the bill helps to address the labor shortage in the countryside. The senator cited a scarcity of workers in activities such as construction and supermarkets. According to him, the proposal alleviates an estimated deficit of more than 800 jobs and improves the dignity of those who work as seasonal workers and are part of the Bolsa Família program.