The Ministry of Labor in Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, has initiated an investigation into a gas station and an outsourcing company for potentially coercing workers into operating fraudulent fuel pumps without proper registration. The inquiry was launched after an anonymous tip revealed that 12 gas station attendants were being pressured by their superiors and operated under unconventional conditions.

During the investigation, authorities found that the gas station had no employees registered directly and instead relied on an outsourcing firm to supply the 12 attendants. This raises significant legal and ethical questions about employment practices in the region, particularly given the claims of worker coercion and harassment. The outsourcing company was also found to have a registered capital of only R$ 1,000, which is below the legally required minimum of R$ 25,000, further complicating their legal standing.

As a result of these findings, the gas station and the outsourcing company could be liable for collective moral damages amounting to R$ 50,000 if they fail to rectify the employment situation. This case underscores the importance of adherence to labor laws in Brazil and emphasizes the ongoing challenges faced by workers in the fuel sector, particularly in terms of safety and fair treatment.