An opinion piece critiques the tendency to reduce working hours in Brazil, arguing that it is a populist move that ignores the need for improving worker productivity through better education and training.
The article discusses the issue of low wages in Brazil, attributing it primarily to low productivity levels among workers. Brazilian workers reportedly produce only 23% of what U.S. workers do on an hourly basis. This low productivity means companies are unable to pay higher wages, as they align salaries with the value generated by their employees. To truly address the wage issue, the article suggests that public policy should focus on increasing productivity through better education, strong vocational training programs, and a conducive business environment.
The author highlights that while the idea of reducing the workweek may seem appealing and offers immediate visibility that can garner political support, it does not necessarily lead to a sustainable improvement in workers' quality of life. The argument posits that simply enacting laws to shorten the work period without addressing underlying productivity issues is a form of populism that does not solve the core problems faced by Brazilian workers. This raises questions about the effectiveness and long-term goals of such policies.
Finally, the piece draws parallels with other low-productivity countries like Mexico and Colombia, indicating a trend towards similar legislative actions that may not yield substantial benefits. It warns against ineffectively copying strategies from nations that have achieved productivity gains, stressing the importance of understanding and addressing the specific economic conditions in Brazil before implementing such changes.
