O Caminho da Indústria: os motivos da redução de emprego no setor | SBT Brasil (11/04/23)

Summary

The second episode of a special series on Brazil's industrial sector highlights the reasons behind job reductions over the last two decades. Key factors include the 1990s opening of the economy to imports, technological changes, and shifts in the workforce. Personal stories, such as that of Altair Alessandro and his family, reflect the impact on workers. The report emphasizes the need for investment in technology, worker education, and lower taxes to combat deindustrialization. It also points to high interest rates as a major challenge to industrial growth, urging for structural reforms to revive the sector.

Takeaways

• 😀 The reduction in industrial employment over the last two years is attributed to several factors, including increased imports and a lack of technological investment.
• 😀 The Brazilian industrial sector once provided significant employment but has seen a decline due to the opening of imports in the early 1990s, which affected local industries.
• 😀 Altair and Alessandro, who collectively have nearly 60 years of experience working in the same factory, exemplify the significant role of industrial jobs in Brazilian families' lives.
• 😀 The Brazilian industrial sector, especially in the automotive industry, was highly impacted by the influx of imported products following government policies in the 1990s.
• 😀 In 1990, the government's open market policies led to increased competition from foreign imports, negatively affecting local industrial jobs.
• 😀 The rise of imported goods, especially cars, led to job losses and a reduction in the industrial workforce, particularly in the metalworking sector.
• 😀 High-interest rates, currently at 13.75% annually, are seen as a barrier to industrial growth and survival, as the sector heavily depends on credit for machinery and consumer goods purchases.
• 😀 Modernizing Brazil's industrial park requires investment in technology and a highly skilled workforce, reflecting a shift in the profile of industrial workers who now need higher educational qualifications.
• 😀 In the automotive industry, about half of the employees now have a higher education, reflecting a shift towards a more educated and technically skilled workforce.
• 😀 The Brazilian government must prioritize education and vocational training to stimulate the productive sector and address issues like high taxes that burden the industry.

Q & A

What are some reasons for the reduction in industrial jobs in Brazil?

The reduction in industrial jobs in Brazil is attributed to several factors, including the opening of the economy to imports in the 1990s, technological advancements that have reduced the need for labor, and a shift in the profile of workers.

How did the opening of the Brazilian economy in the 1990s affect local industries?

The opening of the economy in the 1990s, particularly during Fernando Collor de Mello's government, led to a surge in imports. Brazilian industries were not prepared to compete with these foreign products, which contributed to the decline of local industries.

What role did the metalworker strikes in the 1980s play in shaping Brazilian industrial history?

The metalworker strikes in the 1980s, particularly in the ABC Paulista region, were crucial in shaping Brazilian industrial history. These strikes were instrumental in bringing attention to the role of the worker and trade unions, with significant political implications, including the rise of union leader Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who later became president.

What impact have technological advancements had on Brazil's industrial sector?

Technological advancements, particularly automation and machinery, have significantly reduced the need for manual labor in the industrial sector. While these innovations have led to increased efficiency, they have also contributed to job losses in certain areas of the industry.

How does the current education level of workers in the industrial sector compare to the past?

Today, the industrial sector requires workers with higher education levels than in the past. For example, in the automotive industry, it is estimated that half of the workers have a higher education degree. This reflects a shift toward more technical and specialized skills in the workforce.

What challenges does the Brazilian industrial sector face with high interest rates?

High interest rates, currently at 13.75% per year, make it difficult for the industrial sector to access credit. This impacts both consumer purchasing power for goods like cars and appliances, as well as businesses needing credit to invest in modern equipment and maintain competitiveness.

What role does education play in improving the competitiveness of Brazil's industrial sector?

Education, especially technical and vocational training, is crucial for improving the competitiveness of Brazil’s industrial sector. By investing in skilled labor, industries can improve productivity, innovation, and overall competitiveness in the global market.

Why is the modernization of Brazil's industrial park important for its future?

Modernizing Brazil’s industrial park is essential for staying competitive in a global market that increasingly relies on advanced technology. Investment in state-of-the-art machinery and upskilling workers is necessary to ensure that Brazil can maintain a strong industrial base.

What are the key concerns regarding Brazil’s tax system for the industrial sector?

Brazil’s tax system places a heavy burden on the industrial sector, which makes it harder for industries to grow and remain competitive. The report highlights that tax reform is urgently needed to alleviate these pressures and support industrial development.

How does the government's policy on industrial development need to evolve according to the report?

The report suggests that the government should prioritize policies that stimulate both industrial development and workforce education. This includes investing in technical education and offering support for industries to modernize and remain competitive in an increasingly globalized economy.