Threats and charges: teenagers are removed from irregular work in telemarketing in SC; company is fined

Telemarketing, computer, headset, call (illustrative image) — Photo: Petr Macháček / Unsplash

A telemarketing company in Joinville, in the North of Santa Catarina, was fined after an inspection found 12 teenagers working illegally at the location.

The young people, aged 15 to 17, made payments over the phone and faced a routine of swearing, threats from customers and strong internal pressure to meet financial goals. Some reported health problems to inspectors due to the exhausting routine. They were removed (see below).

The name of the company was not disclosed.

The operation took place on September 11, 2026, but was only announced on Tuesday (13). According to the Labor Tax Audit, from the Ministry of Labor and Employment, the minors followed a strict script created by the company to force debtors to pay their debts or close agreements.

🔎 The Labor Tax Audit explains that the work of minors under 18 years of age in billing telemarketing violates the Child and Adolescent Statute (ECA) and the Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT). The sector exposes young people to chronic stress, depression, verbal violence and physical risks. According to inspectors, lack of experience and professional immaturity make teenagers even more vulnerable to this damage.

The assessment may result in a fine if no defense is presented or the defense is rejected. The value of the possible penalty has not yet been defined.

👉 The company was fined for failing to comply with the law that prohibits the work of minors under 18 years of age in conditions that are harmful to their physical, mental, moral or social development.

Difficulty sleeping and physical pain

During the calls, the teenagers were often harassed, with insults and threats, by the debtors. The young people reported that the company did not offer support or reception after the verbal attacks.

In addition to the aggressiveness of customers, there was strong internal pressure to achieve goals, but without transparency about how the company evaluated their performance.

The exhausting routine also caused health problems in teenagers. They reported difficulty sleeping, back pain from spending a lot of time sitting and ear pain from the continuous use of headphones during work hours.

Termination and guaranteed rights

After the incident, inspectors ordered the teenagers to be immediately removed. The company will have to pay all severance pay and guarantee due labor rights.

The agency reinforces that the hiring of young people should preferably occur through the Professional Learning Program (Young Apprentice), which guarantees a safe environment, pedagogical monitoring and respect for minors.

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