Overview

• Prosecutor-general Paulo Gonet urged the STF not to recognize employment ties, citing prior Supreme Court jurisprudence and the principle of free initiative.
• Under new president Edson Fachin, the plenary heard oral arguments in two leading cases brought by Uber (RE 1446336) and Rappi (RCL 64018) that challenge labor-court rulings.
• The cases carry repercussão geral status, with the eventual decision expected to guide more than 10,000 similar disputes paused across Brazil.
• Platform representatives argued they are technology intermediaries rather than employers, with Uber warning of a roughly one‑third increase in fares and fewer driver opportunities if employment status is imposed.
• Worker groups and unions pointed to algorithmic control as evidence of subordination, while the AGU advocated legislative guarantees of baseline protections such as minimum pay, hour limits, and insurance.