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Police Mobilization in Macaé Took Place Last Wednesday
In Macaé, Heftos, a recognized company in the offshore services sector, is facing ongoing protests from former employees claiming unpaid severance and other labor rights. This impasse took on new dimensions on 03/20/2024, when the company called the Military Police to disperse protesters gathered outside its facilities.
The protests began on January 12, marked by the daily presence of laid-off workers from the past year, expressing their dissatisfaction with Heftos’ non-payment. They report that since the first dismissal occurred, no severance payments have been made. Furthermore, they accuse the company of denying their right to vacation, contrary to Article 143 of the CLT, which allows the conversion of only 1/3 of the vacation period into cash compensation.
Former Offshore Employees of Heftos Say They Are Not Receiving Union Support
The situation is exacerbated by the apparent inaction of the unions in Macaé, which, according to workers, have failed to provide the necessary support. During a meeting with more than 70 former employees held on January 11, frustration with Heftos’ practices and the lack of union support were vocally expressed, highlighting a deep discontent with the status quo.
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Statements from workers emphasize the feeling of abandonment and exploitation: “the union doesn’t help at all, it just consumes our money and stands by the companies,” and question “how long will we live in this modern slavery, where employers do whatever they want with the worker?”
Heftos is part of the Azevedo & Travassos group, a conglomerate operating in the construction and infrastructure sector, which was recently penalized and had the accounts of six companies blocked due to failures in severance payments for about 400 workers in Florianópolis. Similarly, in Macaé, the lack of payment led to strikes and the halt of offshore services, reinforcing the need for an organized and combative response from the affected workers.
This episode in Macaé highlights not only issues regarding the management of labor rights by Heftos and the Azevedo & Travassos group but also draws attention to the importance of effective union representation. As former employees continue to seek justice, the situation underscores the urgency of a review of corporate and union practices in the region, especially in critical sectors such as offshore, vital for the local economy and national infrastructure.
