Tom Reis, an architect, filmed a street cleaner working tirelessly under torrential rain in Palmas, Brazil, expressing his concern for the often-invisible workers who keep cities clean. His video garnered significant attention on social media, highlighting the essential role of such workers in maintaining public health and safety, as they often perform their duties without proper protection. In his commentary, Reis emphasized the dedication of these workers, stating, "There goes the Brazilian worker, at this hour of the night, in a torrential rain, to keep the city clean."

This spontaneous act of videography was motivated by Reis’s desire to shed light on the unsung heroes of urban environments—janitors and street cleaners—whose contributions are critical, yet frequently overlooked by society. The incident occurred in the late evening on September 27 when Reis, on his way home, encountered the street cleaner collecting trash amid flood conditions without a raincoat. Reis pointed out the societal responsibility to recognize such labor and its importance in ensuring a cleaner and safer public environment.

The video serves as a reminder of the challenges many workers face daily, especially those in precarious conditions, and ignited discussions about workers' rights and societal values towards manual labor. Following the video's release, many social media users expressed their support for Reis's sentiments, reflecting a collective acknowledgment of the need to appreciate and improve working conditions for those on the front lines of public health and urban sanitation.