MTE rescues 53 sugarcane factory workers in Goiás

Summary:

A joint operation between the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Public Ministry of Labour, and the Federal Highway Police resulted in the rescue of 53 workers who were laboring in inhumane conditions in a sugarcane plantation in Inhumas, Goiu00e1s. The workers were allegedly forced to work in cramped and unsanitary conditions, without being provided with adequate food, accommodation, or protective equipment. They were paid a minimum wage of R$43.00 per month and were forced to rent accommodations in the nearby cities, which were substandard and lacking basic amenities. The authorities notified the contractors to terminate the workers' contracts and pay the termination benefits, which amount to R$950,000. The contractors have refused to comply, leading to legal action being taken against them by the Public Ministry of Labour, which may result in imprisonment and fines. The workers were also registered to receive three installments of the unemployment benefit, each worth one minimum wage.