Brasília, October 3, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The Ministry of Labor and Employment hopes to conclude the proposal for union reform by the end of November, at the latest, and submit it to the National Congress by the end of the year. The labor relations reform will be ready by the beginning of 2004. These two questions are currently being negotiated by the National Labor Forum.

This information was provided yesterday (2) by the coordinator of the Forum, Osvaldo Martinês Bargas, secretary of Labor Relations of the Ministry, at a public hearing held by the Special Commission created in the Chamber of Deputies to analyze the union and labor relations reforms. (DAS)