The evolution of labor law in Brazil. A historical overview

from Brazilwood to digital platforms

Abstract

This paper analyzes the trajectory of Brazilian labor law, from its colonial roots to the contemporary scenario. The research covers the lack of rights during the period of Indigenous and African slavery and examines the first traces of post-independence regulation. The text highlights the role of the Vargas Era in consolidating labor laws, particularly the Consolidation of Labor Laws of 1943, which organized and unified the legislation of the time. The 1988 Constitution is presented as a milestone in the expansion of rights, by placing urban and rural workers on an equal footing and extending protections to pregnant women and domestic workers. The study also discusses the 2017 Labor Reform, driven by technological advancements, which changed paradigms by making rules more flexible and promoting collective bargaining. Finally, the paper addresses current challenges, such as the precariousness and invisibility of work on digital platforms, highlighting the need for labor law to adapt to ensure human dignity in a future of automation and artificial intelligence.