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Belonging to the Minuano Group, Malu Calçados had been operating in the city of Crissiumal, northwest of Rio Grande do Sul, for over 14 years. In addition to generating 300 direct jobs, it was also the largest source of ICMS for the municipality.
After facing financial difficulties, the group closed the shoe factory in the interior of the state, resulting in 300 people losing their jobs. According to the company’s director, the plant was incurring significant losses.
The Minuano Group works with leathers, also selling to various other companies. Malu Calçados was the only shoe factory belonging to the group, ceasing its activities in January of this year.
According to the group’s director, Bárbara Enzweiler, this closure of the unit is part of the judicial recovery process for the companies, which began in 2020.
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Mayor Responds After Closure of Malu Calçados
The group’s director also stated that it is not a permanent closure, but rather a suspension for an undetermined time. Nevertheless, it was a company decision to definitively dismiss all employees.
Although 300 employees have already been laid off, the contracts for pregnant women will remain active. Thus, the workers will continue to receive their salaries normally while they are pregnant.
Union Monitors the Situation
Representatives from the Federation of Workers in the Footwear and Clothing Industries of the State of Rio Grande do Sul (FETICVERGS) have been monitoring the mass layoffs at this shoe factory.
João Nadir Pires, the president of the organization, spoke on the matter. According to him, the feeling is one of sadness over the closure and the layoffs of so many people. However, simultaneously, he is very satisfied with the fulfillment of all labor rights, even with the company undergoing judicial recovery.
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