In 2025, labor judges in Brazil, both retired and active, received a staggering R$ 1 billion in payments exceeding the constitutional salary ceiling of R$ 46,300. An example of this issue is a judge who earned R$ 1.7 million in just one month, highlighting the significant discrepancy in compensation within the judiciary. This situation has drawn significant public attention and criticism, particularly in light of ongoing discussions about judicial salaries.

During a Supreme Federal Court (STF) hearing regarding excessive salaries, retired judge Cláudia Márcia de Carvalho Soares, who represents the Brazilian Association of Labor Magistrates (ABMT), defended the salaries of her colleagues, dismissing the term "penduricalhos" used to describe additional payments. She argued that labor judges often face high costs related to work necessities such as coffee and gasoline, which adds to the context of their compensation. Despite her stance, it was revealed that she herself received a net salary well above the constitutional ceiling, raising concerns about the integrity and transparency of the judiciary's financial practices.

The National Justice Council (CNJ) issued a statement asserting the independence of the judiciary and the authority of judicial tribunals in managing their budgets. However, the situation has sparked public debate on the ethics of such substantial salaries in the face of broader socioeconomic challenges in Brazil. The ongoing discourse reflects deep-seated issues regarding government spending and the perceived disconnect between public servants and the citizens they serve.