# Rio de Janeiro Credcesta payroll loan dispute

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/rio-de-janeiro-credcesta-payroll-loan-dispute
> Updated: 2026-08-25T11:03:00.000Z. Sources: 21. Developments: 2.

The Rio de Janeiro State Legislative Assembly (Alerj) is reviewing Bill No. 7.726/2026, which proposes suspending Credcesta payroll deductions for active employees, retirees, and pensioners until regulations are reviewed. 

During public hearings, officials raised concerns regarding high interest rates and debt levels. Luciana Telles, coordinator of the Consumer Defense Nucleus of the Rio de Janeiro State Public Defender's Office, described the interest rates as “astounding,” noting that workers might pay two or three times more than standard payroll loans. Data indicates over 100,000 public servants hold loans with Banco Master, the manager of Credcesta. The commission aims to request a state decree to establish new regulations, including an interest rate cap and the suspension of improper charges.

## Claims

- The Rio de Janeiro State Government has dismissed 6,145 commissioned employees. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- The dismissals are projected to save R$ 221 million by December 2026. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- Many dismissed employees were considered 'ghost employees' because they lacked access to state systems and only appeared monthly to sign time sheets. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- The government reduced its number of secretariats from 32 in March to 28 through mergers. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- New appointments for high-level positions are now primarily composed of career civil servants. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- Ricardo Couto is serving as interim governor following the resignation of Cláudio Castro. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- The Superior Electoral Court (TSE) ruled Cláudio Castro ineligible for eight years. (corroborated by 11 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-25: Rio de Janeiro government dismisses 6,145 employees to save R$ 221 million

Rio de Janeiro's interim government has dismissed 6,145 commissioned employees, including 'ghost employees,' aiming to save R$ 221 million and restructure state secretariats.

21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rio-de-janeiro-dismisses-6100-employees-to-save-r-221-million

### 2026-08-15: Alerj discusses suspending Credcesta payroll deductions for Rio de Janeiro public servants

A legislative proposal in Rio de Janeiro seeks to suspend Credcesta payroll loan deductions for public servants while reviewing high interest rates and debt impacts.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alerj-discusses-suspending-credcesta-payroll-deductions-for-rio-de-janeiro-public-servants

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Cite as: Rio de Janeiro Credcesta payroll loan dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/rio-de-janeiro-credcesta-payroll-loan-dispute