On Tuesday (11/11), President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva signed a decree introducing changes to the Workers’ Food Program (PAT), establishing new rules for the operation of Food Voucher (VA) and Meal Voucher (VR) benefits. The text will be published in the Official Journal of the Union (DOU) on Wednesday (12/11).
Among the changes is setting a ceiling on fees imposed on bars, restaurants and supermarkets for sales through the benefit, in addition to reducing the period for transferring sales amounts to establishments. Interoperability, a mechanism that allows one card device to pass all brands, will also be implemented.
What changes for workers?
With interoperability in place, the worker will be free to use the card on any device, regardless of the brand. The new rule will take effect within 360 days.
The value of the benefit will not change, but according to Labor Minister Luiz Marinho, the trend is for there to be a reduction in food prices.
The minister estimated that “what will improve is the profitability of this restaurant, and therefore, by improving its situation, it will eventually be able to reduce the price of the meal in the end.”
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What changes for companies?
This measure reduces the period for transferring sales to establishments to up to 15 calendar days after the transaction. Currently, this transfer can take up to 60 days. The rule goes into effect in 90 days.
Regarding the ceiling for transactions conducted via VR and virtual reality, the value was set at 3.6%. Interchange fees are also set at 2%, with additional fees prohibited.
According to the government, the changes will not result in additional costs for companies.
The decree was signed during a meeting with Vice President Geraldo Alckmin (PSB), and the Ministers of Labor, Luiz Marinho (PT), Fernando Haddad, of Finance, and Rui Costa, of the Civic House, in the Palacio da Alvorada.
The PAT Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee will be responsible for defining technical standards, setting rules and regulating the operation of the payment system.
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