MPT-PI warns employers about the right to vote in municipal elections
The agency reinforces that companies must organize shifts to allow employees to vote, following an increase in reports of electoral harassment.
Quick Look
- The Public Ministry of Labor in Piauí (MPT-PI) notified employers of the obligation to release workers to vote in this Sunday's elections (4).
- The measure comes after 10 reports of electoral harassment were registered in the state until Saturday.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The MPT-PI registered 10 reports of electoral harassment until Saturday morning, the day before the municipal elections.
The Public Ministry of Labor in Piauí (MPT-PI) warned employers about the obligation to ensure that workers are able to exercise their right to vote in this Sunday's elections (4).
The warning was also made in light of the increase in reports of electoral harassment received by the body in the state. According to the MPT, as of this Saturday morning (3), 10 complaints had been registered.
According to the agency, making it difficult or preventing workers from attending polling stations could constitute electoral harassment.
The MPT-PI reported that, even in establishments authorized to operate on Sundays, companies must organize shifts to guarantee sufficient time for employees to travel to voting locations and exercise their right to vote.
According to Labor Attorney Igor Costa, regional coordinator of the National Coordination for the Promotion of Equal Opportunities and Elimination of Discrimination at Work (Coordigualdade), the obligation also applies to activities that usually operate on Sundays.
"Some companies and economic sectors have legal authorization to operate on Sundays, such as pharmacies, supermarkets and shopping center stores. This, however, does not take away the worker's right to vote. Establishments must organize their shifts in such a way as to guarantee a reasonable period for each worker to travel to their polling station and freely exercise their right to vote", explains Igor Costa.
Duty to receive and investigate complaints
According to the prosecutor, preventing or hindering the release of workers to vote could lead to action by the Public Ministry of Labor. To receive and investigate complaints, the agency operates on duty this Saturday (3) and Sunday (4), from 8 am to 5 pm.
The MPT advises that workers who face difficulties in being released to vote or identify situations that could constitute electoral harassment should report it to the body. The procedure can be carried out confidentially.
Here's how to report:
MPT complaints page on the internet
WhatsApp: (86) 99544-7488
In person at the Public Ministry of Labor units in Teresina, Picos and Bom Jesus
Open Questions
- How many additional complaints will be filed after Election Day?
