Who is afraid of the minimum regional wage? An analysis based on 2010 RAIS data for the Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper discusses the minimum regional wage applied in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, using the RAIS database for 2010. We report the legal-political process that gave rise to the minimum regional wage as well as present the conceptual difference between this policy and the nationwide minimum wage policy. We go further to analyze the potential coverage, from its definition (and delimitation) to its measurement within four classes; then, we indicate the professional careers contemplated and the regionalized by Conselhos Regionais de Desenvolvimento (Coredes). Based on this exercise, we evaluate the minimum regional wage policy in recent years and discuss proposals for a new set of rules. Key words Minimum regional wage; wage policy; Rio Grande do Sul. Artigo recebido em 12 de jan. 2012