"JBS sued over alleged violation of Brazil indigenous rights during pandemic," 2 June 2020

Meatpacker JBS SA is being sued for alleged violation of indigenous workers’ rights after firing 40 members of the Kaingang tribe.

…“They were dismissed in a critical period, when the return to the labor market is unlikely until the [COVID-19] pandemic is controlled,” Labor Prosecutor Edson Rodrigues Junior said.

…JBS confirmed dismissing 40 indigenous workers from its Seara chicken-slaughtering plant, but said the decision came after the company discontinued a bus service that brought the workers to the plant every day. JBS gave no reason for discontinuing the bus service, and denied any discrimination.

…At least one fired indigenous worker was a pregnant woman, the lawsuit and the lawyer said. JBS denied this, adding all women employees in such a condition were placed on leave. JBS noted the dismissed workers were paid in full what they were entitled to…The indigenous workers at the plant were preemptively placed on leave as required by law to protect them amid the pandemic, JBS said.