Government Creates New Rules That Make It Difficult to Access Slave Labor "Dirty List"

10/17/2017 - 10h14

An ordinance published by the Labor Ministry on Monday (the 16th) creates new rules that make it more difficult to access the "dirty list" of employers who have been caught flagrantly with slave laborers.

The wording also alters the fiscalization methodology and opens up gaps that could make it difficult to prove the existence of and punishment for this kind of crime.

According to the new procedures, the list of names of those who have been booked for submitting workers to circumstances analogous to slavery will be divulged only under "strict authorization and order of the minister".

The position is held today by Ronaldo Nogueira. Until now, the list has been made available at the criteria of the ministry's technical area.

The new procedures, which serve the interests of a rural block of legislators, are being put into place just as a new charge against President Michel Temer has been introduced and is being investigated by the Lower House of Congress.

The text also calls for the list to be released twice per year. An ordinance from May of 2016 had provided for its updating and release at any time, but at a minimum of twice per year.

The new rules also alter the methodology for fiscal auditors and list a series of documents necessary for the case to be approved after initial fiscalization has taken place.

Among the new measures, is the mandatory requirement that any fiscalization action be accompanied by a police officer, who must formally file a police report. Without this document, the case file won't be processed.

Translated by LLOYD HARDER

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