Between 2003 and 2013, 40 million Brazilians climbed out of poverty. Strong collective bargaining and minimum  wage adjustments and legislation  increased real wages for most workers, leading to strong consumer demand. At the same time, many workers—often women and people of color—who were previously excluded from formal employment and social security coverage, gained employment and fuller citizenship. In workplaces  and broader political issues, unions have pushed democracy and development in Brazil in the right direction—even during the global financial and jobs crisis. As recent protests for a fairer tax system and quality public services show, this work is not done. Brazilians from major national organizations—CUT, Força Sindical and UGT—and AFL-CIO affiliates will discuss their model of social movement unionism and collaboration in organizing campaigns, enlisting participants to learn and join in.