Equal Salaries: Analysis of the Function Identity Criterion from the Point of Fordism and Toyotism Point of View

Abstract

The predominant concept in labor jurisprudence to define function identity – the presupposition for the acknowledgement of equal salaries as conceived in Art 461 of the Brazilian Labor Law (CLT) – is foregrounded on the fact that employees with equal salaries should develop identical tasks. The criterion is derived from the hegemonic concept of the 100-year-old Ford production system in which workers normally developed the same set of tasks throughout their labor contract, coupled to adherence to strict hierarchic stratification. However, the rise of Toyotism brought forth more flexible tasks and functions with decision-taking and immediate problem solving. The strictly Ford system states that no two employees should have the same task and functions are identified through the finality of the tasks and attributions undertaken by the workers. The employment of the Ford system within an organized firm as from the point of view of Toyotism causes deep concern and is an offense to the principle of equality in salaries.