WORK ANALOGOUS TO SLAVERY: A CASE STUDY OF INSPECTIONS IN CHARCOAL PRODUCTION SITES IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF GRAJAÚ IN THE YEAR 2024

Abstract

The contemporary slave labor remains a serious violation of human rights in Brazil, especially in rural contexts marked by socioeconomic vulnerability, as observed in charcoal production sites in the municipality of Grajaú – MA, highlighting the importance of investigating the persistence of this practice despite legal and institutional advances. In this context, the research aimed to analyze how slave-like labor manifests in local charcoal production sites, as well as to evaluate the role of inspection agencies in combating this practice and to identify the main factors contributing to workers' vulnerability. A qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive approach was adopted, using a case study based on the analysis of official documents, inspection reports, and bibliographic review. The results revealed degrading working conditions, exhausting workdays, lack of labor rights, and exposure to health risks, as well as showing that poverty, low education levels, and geographic isolation contribute to the persistence of these practices. It was also observed that inspection actions are essential for rescuing workers and holding employers accountable, although they face structural limitations that hinder the complete eradication of the problem. It is concluded that combating slave-like labor requires integrated actions involving inspection, public policies, and preventive measures to reduce social vulnerability and promote decent working conditions.