Miritituba port terminals face legal challenge over truck driver fees

The Labor Public Prosecutor's Office has requested that the judiciary end the collection of daily fees from truck drivers at the waiting yards of port terminals in Miritituba, Pará. Representing the Brazilian Association of Motor Vehicle Drivers (Abrava), the agency argues that the charges are illegal.

According to the legal filing, six port operators should guarantee free access to essential facilities, including bathrooms, potable water, dining areas, and rest spaces. The prosecutor's office contends that these charges violate the Truck Drivers' Law and regulations regarding sanitary and comfort conditions in the workplace.

The legal action also highlights a financial discrepancy: while legislation entitles transporters to compensation when loading or unloading exceeds five hours, drivers in Miritituba are effectively incurring expenses during waiting periods. The prosecutor's office noted that these queues are a structural component of the Miritituba operational model rather than isolated incidents.