Federal Government Announces Measures Against Electoral Harassment at Work
Actions Include Creation of Reporting Channels and Measures to Remove Discriminatory Content from the Internet, Along with Criminal Responsibility of Employers
The Federal Government has announced measures to combat electoral harassment in the workplace. The actions seek to protect the freedom of political choice of workers and hold employers responsible for discriminatory practices. Two channels were made available to receive complaints from people who suffered or witnessed situations of discrimination in the workplace related to voting or political positioning.
Complaints allow the competent bodies to correct the facts and take appropriate measures to protect the rights of workers by reason of their political choices.
Channels of complaint
>> Ministry of Labour and Employment (MTE): Link
>> Public Ministry of Labour (MPT): Link
The Digital Workbook will also be used to guide workers about their rights and the procedures for filing complaints. In addition, the labour supervision may identify irregularities, file infringement acts and adopt the other appropriate measures.
Among other measures announced are actions to remove from the internet sites, publications and content on social networks that promote persecution or discrimination based on political motivation. The initiative includes notifications to digital platforms, such as Google and Meta, based on technical guidance from the Advocacy General of the Union (AGU).
The action is part of a joint work between the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MTE), the Public Prosecutor's Office (MPT), the Advocacy General of the Union (AGU), the Superior Labour Court (TST), the Electoral Public Prosecutor's Office (MPE) and the Ministry of Justice and Public Security (MJSP).
"Harassment is unacceptable and we are announcing several measures to combat this type of practice in the country," said the Minister of Labour and Employment, Luiz Marinho. The minister also announced the creation of a list of employers involved in cases of discrimination and electoral harassment, in addition to measures related to the suspension of credits, in accordance with the applicable legal instruments.
The Constituição Federal guarantees freedom of conscience and the secrecy of voting. Law No. 9.029/1995 prohibits discriminatory practices for access or maintenance of the employment relationship. Depending on the circumstances, pressure, threat or discrimination related to political choice can also characterize electoral harassment and result in accountability of those involved.
