The aim of this essay is to discuss Brazilian trade unionism by analysing the contributions of Lúcio and Galvão from the perspective of Nancy Fraser. Lúcio ratifies the importance of a regulatory framework that restructures unions, while Galvão argues this is not enough, as the grassroots must be organised for the struggles. The Forum of Trade Union Centres (FCS) favoured the integrated action of entities to demand legal guarantees, but was unsuccessful in mobilising them. In the light of Fraser‘s critical conception, we understand that the struggle must be for redistribution of resources, social recognition and equal participation, which supports both the contributions of Lúcio, for whom the unions must be restructured, and those of Galvão, who advocates mobilising the grassroots so that the working class does not succumb to capital.