FROM CONTEMPORARY SLAVERY TO OPERATION IN VINO VERITAS: THE ROLE OF LABOR INSPECTION IN THE WINE SECTOR IN SERRA GAÚCHA

A ATUAÇÃO DA INSPEÇÃO DO TRABALHO NO SETOR VITIVINICULTOR NA SERRA GAÚCHA

Abstract

The “In Vino Veritas” operation, planned and executed by the Labor Inspection, emerged in response to serious violations of labor rights revealed following the rescue of 210 (two hundred and ten) workers in conditions similar to slavery in the wine sector of Serra Gaúcha, in Rio Grande do Sul, at the beginning of 2023. The operation, which was conceived in the stages of guidance, indirect notification for data collection, direct inspections and data dissemination, and which had the support of other institutions, achieved great success in formalizing the employment relationships of harvest workers, combating child labor and contemporary slavery and improving the working environment. This work presents in detail each of the steps undertaken and the results obtained in the “In Vino Veritas” operation, including comparisons with previous years, number of workers reached directly and indirectly, number of workers rescued from contemporary slavery and removed from child labor. Finally, the aim is to demonstrate the applicability of the good practice developed, and that the coordinated action of labor inspection can significantly transform labor relations in irregular sectors, promoting a fair, dignified and safe environment for all workers.