Assaí supermarket chain fined by Brazilian labor court

A labor court in Piracicaba, São Paulo, has ordered Assaí Atacadista, operated by Sendas Distribuidora S.A., to pay R$50,000 in collective moral damages. The ruling follows a lawsuit filed by the Sindicato dos Empregados no Comércio de Piracicaba regarding irregularities at the company's Piracicaba unit.

Workers reported several issues, including restrictions on bathroom use, moral harassment, and abusive pressure regarding work targets. According to reports, a survey involving 30 workers found that 24 reported long waits for bathroom access, 25 were moved to tasks outside their official roles, and 20 reported or witnessed harassment. Other complaints included racism and the refusal of medical certificates.

In addition to the fine, the court ordered the company to immediately cease any practices that restrict bathroom access, stop requiring employees to perform functions outside their roles, and reorganize work schedules. Failure to comply will result in additional fines. The R$50,000 fine will be directed to the FAT, Brazil’s unemployment benefit fund. The decision is a first-instance ruling and is subject to appeal.