Lula Calls New R$1,621 Minimum Wage Too Low, Urges Policy to Share Growth

Overview

• The 2026 floor is R$1,621 in force since January 1, a 6.79% rise of R$103 from R$1,518.
• Lula used the commemorative event at the Casa da Moeda to argue the current level fails the law’s original goal of ensuring basic rights.
• He called for a new valuation policy so workers share economic growth, pledging to keep pursuing higher adjustments.
• By rule, annual corrections combine INPC inflation with GDP from two years earlier, with above‑inflation gains capped between 0.6% and 2.5% by the fiscal framework.
• About 35 million Brazilians earn up to one minimum wage, and labor institute Dieese estimates the new level will inject roughly R$81.7 billion into the economy.