This article establishes a relationship between the dynamics of contemporary capitalism in Brazil and the challenges of discussing public regulation of labor. The debate in Brazil takes into consideration these aspects: 1) changes to contemporary capitalism have led to implications which are unfavorable to public regulation of labor and to collective action by workers; 2) the resurgence of economic growth has made it possible to redefine the terms of the debate on labor in Brazil; 3) the current crisis brings into discussion the possibility of the State taking a more active role in economic development; 4) demographic trends have increased the weight of the adult EAP, which has implications in the functioning of the labor market. The positions are polarized thus: 1) the defense of structuring the work market with implications in the quality of social relations; 2) business affirmation, which stresses the need for more flexibility in hiring, duties and pay for work.
Labor; Regulation; Economy and development; Flexibilization