Brasilia, November 10 (RHC)-- Trade unions and social movements in Brazil are protesting the labor and pension reforms promoted by the government of Michel Temer in 24 state capitals throughout the South American country. 

Called the National Day of Mobilization in defense of rights, sovereignty, and democracy, the marches are being held a day before a repressive labor law goes into effect on Saturday. 

The objective of the text, according to analysts in the Department of Statistics and Socioeconomic Studies, is to extend protection to companies and leave workers unprotected.  Trade union organizers said that the new law creates instruments to legalize practices that make work precarious, reduce or prevent union protection and leave the worker exposed to the coercion of companies in the definition of their rights.

The protests began Friday morning throughout Brazil.  Organizers of the demonstrations from the Forum of Trade Unions said in a statement that they were against "government regulations that modify the concept of work similar to slavery." 

A survey by the Vox Populi Institute released Thursday said 81 percent of Brazilians disapprove of the new labor law, while only 6 percent agree with the changes. 

In the southeast region of Brazil, its rejection increases to 89 percent and in the south, it decreases to 60 percent. 

According to the survey, 67 percent believe the new legislation is only good for employers, 1 percent believe that it favors workers, and 6 percent think it is good for both.