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The Union Accuses Itaú of Breaking the Collective Labor Agreement That Requires Prior Negotiation in Collective Dismissals, While Experts Note That the CLT Has Already Removed This Legal Obligation, Creating a Direct Conflict Between Union Interpretation and Current Legislation.
The Itaú announced on September 8, 2025 the dismissal of approximately 1,000 employees nationwide. The measure, taken without prior communication to the São Paulo, Osasco and Region Banking Union, generated a strong reaction from the entity, which decided to take legal action against the bank. The case, reported by Metrópoles, reignited the debate on the limits of the Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT) and the strength of Collective Labor Agreements in the current scenario.
The union argues that the dismissal violates negotiation rules set out in previous agreements, constituting a disrespect to the collective process.
The controversy gains weight because the layoffs occur in the same semester in which Itaú recorded a net profit of R$ 22.6 billion, which, according to the entity, makes the measure unjustifiable.
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Who is Involved in the Process Against Itaú
The action was brought by the São Paulo, Osasco and Region Banking Union, which represents one of the largest union bases in the country. The president of the entity, Neiva Ribeiro, classified Itaú’s decision as “an attack on workers”.
For her, “a bank that makes billions cannot treat people as disposable numbers”, emphasizing that the fight in court will seek to hold the bank accountable and, if possible, reverse the dismissals.
On the other side, Itaú has not publicly commented on the layoffs.
This absence of positioning reinforced criticisms regarding the lack of dialogue and transparency in the dismissal process, especially in a sector historically marked by collective negotiations.
What the Layoffs Represent Within the Bank
Itaú has approximately 90,000 active employees, according to corporate data. This means that the cut of 1,000 positions represents just over 1% of the total. Although this is a relatively small fraction, the symbolic impact is huge when compared to the bank’s record profits.
For the unions, the decision exposes a contrast between high profitability and a lack of commitment to job preservation.
This contradiction was highlighted in plenaries organized by the union movement, where workers reported “fear and uncertainty” regarding the future.
The fear of further cuts is growing, especially in light of the advance of digitalization and banking automation.
Where the Law Differs from Union Interpretation
The legal impasse revolves around the Collective Labor Agreement (CCT) and the CLT. According to the union, collective dismissal could only occur with prior negotiation with the representative entity. However, experts note that the labor reform removed the obligation to consult the union or the Public Ministry in cases of mass layoffs.
Labor lawyer Michel Berruezo, cited by Metrópoles, explains that the dismissals do not constitute forced reinstatement, as Itaú maintained its operations in all areas.
In this sense, the Justice will have to assess whether the letter of the CLT prevails or the strength of the collective agreements established by the category.
Why Itaú Opted for the Cuts
Although the bank has not detailed the reasons, analysts point to a movement of internal restructuring linked to the digitalization of banking services. In recent years, there has been a closure of physical branches and a transfer of clients to digital channels, reducing the need for in-person teams.
Nonetheless, the context of billion-dollar profits raises questions. For the union, there is no convincing economic justification for dismissing 1,000 employees in a semester of historic gains. The entity believes that the cuts could set a dangerous precedent for other financial institutions.
Is it Worth Following the Outcome in Court?
The case is considered strategic because it could set a national precedent. If Justice accepts the union’s thesis, it will reinforce the weight of Collective Agreements as a protection tool for workers, even in light of the reformed CLT.
Conversely, it opens the door for collective dismissals without prior negotiation to become common practice in large companies, especially in the financial sector.
Beyond the legal aspect, the episode highlights the dilemma of highly profitable corporations: how to reconcile billion-dollar gains with social responsibility policies and job preservation? The Justice’s response could influence not only Itaú but the entire labor market in Brazil.
The episode involving Itaú shows the clash between the financial logic of efficiency and the social commitment to employment.
While the bank celebrates record profits, the union denounces unjustifiable cuts and seeks judicial support.
The result of this clash could redefine the limits between legislation and collective negotiation in the country.
And you, do you believe that banks that report billion-dollar profits should be required to keep their employees’ jobs? Or do you think companies have the freedom to restructure their operations even during periods of high earnings?
Leave your opinion in the comments; we want to hear from those who live this reality in practice.
Contradição. No futuro poderemos testemunhar empresas lucrativas que não terão demanda para seus produtos tendo em vista o processo de empobrecimento da população.
A empresa pode até estar lucrando mas porque uma empresa seria obrigada a manter funcionário que trabalha apenas apenas 20%da carga horária imagina então então você trabalhar e seu colega de trabalho apenas enrolar e lá na frente ele ele receber o mesmo valor e elogio e crédito que tu praticamente fez sozinho fico triste com desemprego mas tem muitos falsos trabalhadores que sugam a empresa apenas trabalhador pode buscar seus direitos desde que tenha feito e não tenha recebido se uma empresa tiver todos seus trabalhadores que trabalham apenas 20 % da jornada trabalhista ela fecha as portas e não gera n nhum emprego temos que ser justo tanto com o trabalhador quanto com a empresa
Quero aproveitar essa reportagem para expressar minha profunda indignação e desapontamento em relação às condições atuais do plano de saúde oferecido aos aposentados do Banco Itaú, que desrespeitou o artigo 30 da lei 9656/98.
Trabalhamos por mais de 30 anos nessa empresa, dedicando a nossa vida e saúde, abdicando muitas vezes do convívio com a família para conseguir cumprir as metas abusivas exigidas pelo Banco Itaú.
Dedicamos mais de 30 anos de nossas vidas ao crescimento e fortalecimento desta instituição, com a confiança de que, após a aposentadoria, teríamos a segurança de um plano de saúde digno e acessível. Infelizmente, o que vivenciamos hoje é a total contradição dessa expectativa.
Os valores atualmente praticados são incompatíveis com a realidade financeira dos aposentados, a ponto de nos colocar diante de escolhas cruéis e inaceitáveis: ou pagamos o plano de saúde ou garantimos nossa alimentação básica. Trata-se de uma situação desumana, que contraria princípios éticos e o respeito que deveria ser dispensado a quem tanto contribuiu com o banco.