Resumo

This article deals with the political debate concerning the Brazilian wage legislation during the second semester of 1983. It explores the reasons behind proposals based in full price indexation but suggests that measures which maintain the level of real mean wages during periods of wage readjustment are a realistic first step in a policy aimed at real wage recuperation in a non recessionary environment. The article discusses some mechanisms of real average wage maintenance, including a sliding scale of readjustments not based on fixed adjustment periods. Complementary measures dealing with price controls and broader macroeconomic policies are discussed in closing.