Rescues in MTE inspection actions expose domestic slave labor in the country

Summary:

In Brazil, domestic work reminiscent of slavery is a reality that has been combatted by repressive actions from the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MTE) through the Coordination-General of Monitoring for the Eradication of Slave-Like Work and Human Trafficking (CGTRAE). Since 2017, MTE has conducted 119 rescue operations, with 41 cases in 2023, revealing the hidden reality of families that enslave women, from childhood to adulthood, without any guaranteed labor rights. The rescued workers are often subjected to an exhausting schedule, lack of social life, and alienation from their own condition. The government has implemented a campaign to promote decent domestic work, and in 2024, it will raise awareness about the importance of ordinary monitoring of domestic work and care to prevent slave-like work.

Key points:

119 rescue operations conducted by MTE since 2017, with 41 cases in 2023
Women, often black, are primarily affected, with their lives being controlled by their employers
Domestic workers have the right to registration, salary, and benefits, as well as social security and insurance
Many workers are forced to work long hours, without breaks, and are not paid fairly
* The government is working to promote decent domestic work and prevent slave-like work through campaigns and monitoring.