Piauí labor operation rescues 40 workers from slave-like conditions

A joint operation involving the Labor Public Ministry (MPT), the Ministry of Labor and Employment, the Federal Police, and the Public Defender's Office rescued 40 workers from conditions analogous to slavery in the Brazilian state of Piauí.

The operation took place between August 24 and September 2, 2026, across the municipalities of Sussuapara, Floriano, and Oeiras. In Sussuapara, 22 workers were found in the construction sector. In Floriano and Oeiras, 18 workers, including a 17-year-old adolescent, were engaged in the manual extraction of carnauba straw.

Investigators reported severe degradation, including overcrowded housing, lack of electricity, improper water supply, inadequate sanitation, and a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE). Workers were forced to eat and perform basic needs outdoors without privacy.

Employers have agreed to pay approximately R$ 295,000 in reparations, consisting of R$ 200,000 in severance pay and R$ 95,000 for individual moral damages. Discussions regarding collective moral damages are ongoing. This operation brings the total number of workers rescued from slave-like conditions in Piauí in 2026 to 100.