A court in Brazil overturned the dismissal of a doorman who was fired for taking a piece of candy from a vending machine at a hospital where he worked, stating that the punishment was disproportionate to the act.
In a ruling made by the Regional Labor Court (TRT) in Uberaba, Brazil, a doorman's dismissal for just cause was annulled after he had taken a piece of candy from a vending machine at his workplace. The court deemed the company's decision to apply the maximum penalty for this minor infraction to be excessive and not justified. The incident that led to the dismissal occurred in January 2024, and the name of the hospital involved was not disclosed.
The company providing services to the hospital chose not to comment on the case, according to its lawyer, Edu Henrique da Costa. However, Amanda Cristina Rau, the doorman’s attorney, noted that the legal process was fully complied with and that the doorman has received all the owed labor payments as recognized by the court, effectively resolving the matter. This judgment illustrates the importance of proportionality in disciplinary actions within the workplace.
The court's decision highlights the legal standards governing dismissal in Brazil, emphasizing that an adequate response to employee infractions must align with the severity of the misconduct. The ruling not only reinstates the doorman’s rights but also sets a precedent for future cases where minor infractions may lead to severe penalties, advocating for a more balanced approach to employee discipline in the workplace.
