The São Rafael gas station, located in the Mustardinha neighborhood of West Recife, has been sentenced to pay R$ 20,000 in moral damages for requiring gas attendants to wear leggings as part of their uniform. The ruling, passed on Monday by Judge Ana Carolina Bulhões Carneiros of the 11th Labor Court of Recife, mandates that the station's parent company, São Rafael Comércio de Petróleo LTDA, provide suitable uniforms for female employees. The case is significant as it underscored workplace attire standards and the rights of workers in Brazil.

The legal proceedings began in November 2025 following a similar case involving another gas station in the Afogados neighborhood, which faced condemnation for also enforcing inappropriate attire, such as cropped tops and leggings, for their attendants. The recent ruling reflects the growing awareness and response to workplace discrimination and the enforcement of dress codes that may undermine workers' dignity. Legal representative Sérgio da Silva Pessoa highlighted that the original complaint was spurred by customer feedback, indicating that societal norms are changing regarding appropriate workplace attire.

This decision by the Recife labor court sets an important precedent, emphasizing that businesses must ensure that their uniform policies respect the dignity and comfort of their employees. It serves as a reminder for companies to consider the implications of their clothing requirements and the potential legal repercussions if those standards are seen as discriminatory or damaging to employee morale.