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Labor Ministry rescues 35 workers from slave-like conditions in São Paulo

2 sources · 26 May 2026 · Share coverage ·

verbatim from the press composed from multiple sources ? no verbatim passage

Inspection found absence of sanitary facilities, adequate meal locations — meals were taken on the ground amid plantation — and individual protection equipment like boots, gloves, shin guards, hats and sunscreen. Transportation to work sites was conducted in buses without authorization for worker transport. ?

Press quotes (2)
Gov

"O Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego (MTE) resgatou, no dia 20 de maio, 35 trabalhadores durante operação de fiscalização realizada em conjunto com o Ministério Público do Trabalho (MPT) e a Defensoria Pública da União (DPU). Os trabalhadores, que atuavam no corte de cana-de-açúcar, foram encontrados em condições análogas à escravidão em uma fazenda no município de Gabriel Monteiro, no interior de São Paulo."

Gov

"entre os resgatados havia um adolescente de 17 anos, situação considerada uma das piores formas de trabalho infantil"

The farm owner signed a Conduct Adjustment Agreement with the Labor Prosecutor's Office (MPT) and Federal Public Defender's Office (DPU), providing for payment of R$ 111 thousand for individual moral damages and R$ 150 thousand for collective moral damages. Already paid R$ 415,012.45 in severance benefits. Rescued workers were taken to hotels and returned to origin cities with expenses paid by employer, entitled to unemployment insurance. ?

Press quotes (1)
Gov

"Segundo a fiscalização, o recrutamento era feito por um empreiteiro contratado pelo proprietário da fazenda. Os trabalhadores eram aliciados em estados do Nordeste e em municípios do interior paulista com promessas de registro formal, alojamento adequado e cumprimento das normas trabalhistas"

1. What we know (1)

Operation was conducted jointly by MTE, MPT and DPU

3 sources Carta Capital Poder360 Gov
2. Where coverage thins out (1)

Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.

Covered by only some sources (1)

Workers lived in rented houses with precarious conditions in neighboring municipality

Reported by: Carta Capital Poder360
Did not cover: Gov
3. What we don't know yet (3)
  • What are the names of the farm owner and contractor responsible for recruitment?

    Why it's still unknown: Neither MTE nor press outlets identified those responsible by name

    Did not cover: Carta Capital Poder360 Gov
  • What is the farm's name and cultivated area extension?

    Why it's still unknown: Official and press sources did not provide specific property identification

    Did not cover: Carta Capital Poder360 Gov
  • Will there be criminal investigation against those responsible?

    Why it's still unknown: Official statement mentions only administrative TAC, without reference to possible criminal action

    Did not cover: Carta Capital Poder360 Gov

All sources

2