An operation by Brazil’s Ministry of Labor and Employment carried out on May 20 rescued 35 workers from slave-like conditions on a farm in the municipality of Gabriel Monteiro, in São Paulo state. Among those rescued was a 17-year-old teenager.

The group was recruited in the Northeast and in rural São Paulo with the promise of formal contracts and adequate housing. The recruitment was carried out by a contractor hired by the farm owner.

However, on the farm, workers had to cut sugarcane by hand using machetes and stand all day, and were exposed to the sun and rain. The workweek ran from Monday to Sunday, with no days off and no formal employment contract.

The team noted the lack of bathrooms and a place to eat, which forced workers to eat while sitting on the ground or in the middle of the field.

“No personal protective equipment was provided, such as boots, gloves, and shin guards, or items to protect against sun exposure, such as hats and sunscreen. Transportation to the work site was provided in buses not authorized to transport workers, and under unsafe conditions,” the ministry reported.

The group lived in two rented houses in a neighboring town. At the site, old mattresses and stoves were found installed inside the bedrooms. There was no bedding, blankets, or closets.

Inspectors ordered the immediate suspension of operations and the dismissal of the workers due to the employer’s fault. The victims were taken to a hotel and are returning to their hometowns, with expenses covered by the farm owner. They will be entitled to receive unemployment benefits.

The farm owner signed a conduct adjustment agreement with labor prosecutors and public defenders which stipulates the payment of BRL 111 thousand for individual moral damages and BRL 150 thousand for collective moral damages. The owner has paid over BRL 415 thousand in severance.