Santa Catarina public servant legal and labor developments

In Santa Catarina, Brazil, legal developments regarding public servants have emerged through judicial rulings and new legislative proposals.

The Supreme Federal Court (STF) unanimously ruled that prison officers in the state are entitled to overtime pay. This decision addresses state law that previously prevented additional payments for extraordinary service by absorbing them into a single-installment subsidy model. The court determined that when staffing shortages prevent compensatory time off, the Constitution protects the right to remuneration for extra work.

Following this, the Attorney General's Office of Santa Catarina (PGE/SC) proposed a partnership with the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB/SC) to provide legal assistance to specific public servants. This initiative, proposed by Governor Jorginho Mello, aims to sponsor the defense of professionals from the Secretariats of Public Security, Justice and Social Reintegration, and the Environmental Institute (IMA) in lawsuits arising from their official duties. The proposal specifies that support is limited to acts performed during official functions and excludes acts that conflict with state interests.