According to CAGED data released last week by the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MTE), in 2014 the furniture center of Bento Gonçalves had a deficit of 667 jobs. This represents a decrease of 7.4% in employment compared to the beginning of last year. In December alone, the deficit amounted to 205 jobs.

This is the worst annual result for the furniture industry since 2007 when the data began to be released by the MTE. The drop is sharper than that in Rio Grande do Sul and Brazil, which reduced the workforce by 2.2% in the same comparison. The President of the Sindmóveis, Henrique Tecchio, points out that the poor performance is the result of the conditions of the Brazilian economy in 2014. "There was a slowdown in consumption, worsening credit conditions, rising inflation in addition to uncertainties due to the general election and the World Cup” he says. 

During the first General Assembly of the year, held by Sindmóveis last week, furniture makers considered the possibility, in case the current scenario is maintained, of more layoffs throughout 2015. The furniture center is comprised of Bento Gonçalves, Monte Belo do Sul and Santa Tereza, totaling  approximately 300 companies.