Brazil's lower house Wednesday started discussing a bill opposed by labor unions that would allow companies to outsource their entire labor force.

Currently, companies can only hire outsourced workers for non-core activities like security and cleaning services.

The law, if approved, will permit outsourced workers to work in both core and non-core activities.

Congressman Siba Machado of the ruling Workers' Party told reporters the law would allow companies to fire employees and replace them with outsourced workers at lower wages.

He said his party would try to block approval of the law that he said could bring an end to worker rights and benefits. Congress was expected to vote later Wednesday or possibly on Thursday.

Brazil's largest labor umbrella organization, the Central Workers Union, held protest rallies in 12 cities on Tuesday.

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