Former governor of Minas says that “the left created” the idea that work harms children; Legislation allows activity from the age of 14 only as an apprentice
The former governor of Minas Gerais and pre-candidate for the Presidency of the Republic, (Novo), defended changing the rules on child labor in Brazil. The statement was made in an interview with the podcast Análise Limitada, shown on Friday (May 1, 2026), on Labor Day.
Zema said he started working as a child, helping his father in an automotive parts store. According to him, children could perform simple tasks, as long as studies were kept as a priority.
“I know that studying is a priority, but children can be helping with simple questions, with questions that are within their reach. I accompanied my father all day, counting screws and nuts and helping him, wrapping them in newspaper”he declared.
The pre-candidate also criticized current legislation and attributed the idea that work harms children to the left. “Here in Brazil it seems that the left created this notion that working harms children”he stated.
Zema compared the Brazilian situation to that of the United States. He said that, in the North American country, children can work delivering newspapers.
“Outside, in the United States, children go out delivering newspapers. They receive I don’t know how many cents for each newspaper delivered, in the time they have. Here it’s prohibited, you’re enslaving children. So, it’s regrettable, but I’m sure we’re going to change that”these.
In Brazil, the Constitution night, dangerous or unhealthy work for minors under the age of 18 and any work for minors under the age of 16, except as an apprentice, from the age of 14. The Ministry of Labor states that professional learning must guarantee technical-professional training, labor and social security rights and activities compatible with the adolescent’s development.
IBGE data show that Brazil had 1.65 million children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 in child labor in 2024. The number represents 4.3% of the population in this age group. The survey also indicates that school attendance is lower among children and adolescents in child labor situations: 88.8%, compared to 97.5% for the total population aged 5 to 17. Here is the study (PDF — 2.0 MB).
Brazil is of the ILO (International Labor Organization), which deal, respectively, with the minimum age for admission to employment and the elimination of the worst forms of child labor. The Ministry of Labor says that Convention 138 requires a national policy aimed at the effective abolition of child labor.
WHAT THE LAW SAYS
Under Brazilian legislation, work is, as long as it is not nighttime, dangerous, unhealthy, painful or harmful to the adolescent’s education.
Before the age of 16, the rule is different: teenagers can work from the age of 14 only in . In this case, the contract must combine theoretical training and professional practice, with a formal bond and labor protection.
Children and adolescents below the legal minimum age for economic activity are considered to be in a situation of child labor. The framework also considers factors such as working hours, school attendance, type of activity and exposure to risks.
