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62-year-old domestic worker was rescued in Eusébio, Greater Fortaleza, after anonymous complaint and investigation by the Labor Audit.
A 62-year-old domestic worker was rescued in conditions akin to slavery in a luxury condominium in Eusébio, in the metropolitan region of Fortaleza.
According to the Labor Audit, the woman worked for 55 years without a regular monthly salary for the same family.
The case occurred in June this year, at the Terras Alphaville – Residential 2 condominium, in the Cidade Alpha neighborhood.
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According to the inspection, the labor credits exceed R$ 1.5 million, considering salaries, vacations, 13th salary, FGTS, severance pay, and overtime.
Investigation began after anonymous complaint
The investigation started after an anonymous complaint.
Subsequently, auditors identified a relationship marked by economic dependence, lack of remuneration, and deprivation of educational opportunities.
The worker arrived at the family’s residence in 1971, when she was only 7 years old.
Since then, she went through three generations of the same family, always performing domestic tasks and childcare.
According to a report recorded by the inspection, the employer stated that the woman had been “given by the mother”.
Routine started at 4:30 AM
The daily routine started around 4:30 AM.
First, the domestic worker prepared the family’s breakfast.
Then, she organized the children’s departure for school.
Throughout the day, she cleaned, prepared meals, organized the house, and accompanied minors.
At the time of the rescue, she was at the house of the first employer’s great-granddaughter.
Additionally, she took care of two children, aged 11 and 7, and maintained the essential activities of the residence.
Even with hypertension and recurring episodes of discomfort in stressful situations, she continued working normally.
Journey spanned decades without financial autonomy
According to the Labor Inspection Secretariat, the woman spent her entire working life without regular pay.
Furthermore, she had no financial autonomy, educational opportunities, or personal assets.
While the employer’s children attended school, she and her sister did not have the same access to formal education.
The sister, according to the family, left the place during her teenage years.
The worker remained with the family group even after the mother’s death.
House moves maintained exploitation
In 1982, the domestic worker went to live with the daughter of the former employer when she started a new family.
From then on, she was responsible for the house and raising the couple’s three children.
More than 30 years later, in 2014, she was again transferred to another residence of the same family unit.
In the new house, she began caring for the next generation, accumulating domestic tasks and daily childcare.
Family Allowance was withdrawn by the employer
The victim was registered in the Single Registry and received R$ 600 monthly from the Family Allowance.
However, the inspection found that the employer made the withdrawals.
Then, according to the investigation, the amounts were given to the worker.
The Labor Audit also identified possible fraud against the State.
The domestic worker was registered as a single and unemployed person.
Therefore, a report will be sent to the competent authorities.
TAC provides for property and payments to the worker
The Public Labor Ministry signed a Conduct Adjustment Agreement with the employers.
Under the agreement, they assumed obligations for the worker’s social protection.
Among the measures are:
- regularization of social security contributions;
- payment of R$ 50,000 in severance pay;
- purchase of a residential property worth at least R$ 150,000;
- acquisition of essential furniture and appliances;
- pension funding until retirement.
Additionally, the agreement provides for a supplement of up to R$ 12,000 if she reaches 64 years of age without access to the pension benefit.
Finally, the TAC itself states that the agreement does not settle all rights.
Therefore, there may still be judicial claims for labor credits and compensations.
Nominal sources: Labor Inspection Audit, Labor Inspection Secretariat, Public Labor Ministry, and g1.
What do you think should be the priority in these cases: ensuring immediate compensation to the victim or increasing inspections to find similar situations? Share your opinion!
