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How union dues are calculated over the floor wage

Lei 13.467/2017 (the Labor Reform) did away with the mandatory imposto sindical, the one day's pay that used to be deducted each year. What's left are three voluntary sources of funding. There are the monthly union dues (mensalidade), which only formally affiliated members pay. There's the assistance contribution (contribuição assistencial), approved through a collective bargaining agreement (CCT/ACT). And there's the confederative contribution, decided in a union assembly. The base is normally the floor wage (piso) set by the category's CCT.

Say the floor wage is R$ 2,000 and the monthly dues are 1%: dues = 2000 × 0.01 = R$ 20/month, or R$ 240 a year. A flat amount is just as common, such as R$ 30/month no matter the salary. The STF (ADI 5794) held that charging anyone who isn't affiliated needs express prior authorization from the worker. Staying silent doesn't authorize the deduction.

When does it apply in Brazil?

It comes up when you're weighing union affiliation and deciding whether to join, when you read through a collective bargaining agreement (CCT/ACT) that fixes the floor wage along with clauses on rest days, healthcare and meal vouchers, and during a collective dispute (dissídio coletivo) where the Regional Labor Court (TRT) sets a category's minimum conditions. The dues pay for collective bargaining, legal representation and member services. Joining is always your choice (CF art. 8º V).

FAQ

Is union dues mandatory? No. After the 2017 reform, only members who chose to affiliate pay dues. The old mandatory imposto sindical is gone.

What is the assistance contribution? It's an extra charge approved in a collective agreement to pay for the negotiation. Since STF ADI 5794, non-affiliated workers must give express authorization, and they can object whenever they want.

Can I cancel my affiliation? Yes, whenever you like, by sending the union written notice. It kicks in on the next payroll, and the employer has to stop the payroll deduction.

Does the floor wage replace the federal minimum wage? The CCT floor wage can't drop below the federal minimum. Where state-level minimums (e.g. SP, RJ) or category floors come out higher, those win.