Assaí Atacadista labor violation ruling in Brazil

A labor court in Piracicaba, Brazil, ordered Sendas Distribuidora S.A., the operator of Assaí Atacadista, to pay R$ 50,000 in collective moral damages following a lawsuit by the Piracicaba Commerce Employees Union.

The ruling addressed various allegations of labor irregularities, including restrictions on bathroom access, psychological violence, harassment, and excessive pressure to meet work targets. Investigations and worker testimonies indicated that many employees faced long waits to use restrooms, with some reports alleging employees were forced to urinate in their clothes or were dismissed after waiting 90 minutes for authorization to leave their posts. Other complaints included racism, the refusal of medical certificates, and forcing staff to perform tasks outside their official job descriptions.

In addition to the fine, which is directed to Brazil’s unemployment benefit fund, the court ordered the company to immediately cease practices restricting bathroom access, stop requiring employees to perform unauthorized functions, and reorganize work schedules. Sendas Distribuidora denied the allegations, stating their procedures were meant to organize staff replacements, and the company is evaluating legal measures to appeal the decision.