Forty workers rescued from conditions similar to slavery in Piauí

Forty workers in conditions similar to slavery were rescued in the municipalities of Sussuapara, Floriano and Oeiras, in Piauí, between August 24th and September 2nd. The action was carried out by the Public Ministry of Labor in Piauí (MPT-PI), the Federal Police (PF), the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MTE) and the Federal Public Defender's Office (DPU).

According to MPT-PI, 22 workers were rescued in Sussuapara. They worked on paving works and in the construction of a school and a sports court.

In Floriano, eight workers were found in a degrading situation during the extraction of carnauba straw. Among them was a 17-year-old teenager.

In Oeiras, ten workers were rescued in similar conditions during carnauba straw extraction activities.

"Employers need to raise awareness and offer minimum working conditions. In all locations, both on the work fronts and in accommodation, conditions were quite precarious", highlighted Labor Attorney Edno Moura, coordinator of Combating Slave Labor at MPT-PI.

Unsafe water and accommodation without electricity

During inspections, the teams found a series of irregularities. According to MPT-PI, workers did not have access to adequate sanitary facilities, consumed unsafe water for drinking and did not receive personal protective equipment (PPE).

Inspectors also identified overcrowded accommodation without electricity.

In addition, workers ate meals and took physical needs outdoors, according to inspection teams.