Comrades from Brazil sent us this statement of denunciation regarding the dismissal of women workers who reported harassment in their workplace at an NGO. We are sending a signal of solidarity.
END THE PERSECUTION AND TERROR IMPOSED BY CONAC
IMMEDIATE REINSTATEMENT OF THE PERSECUTED WORKERS
END WORKPLACE ABUSE
NATIONAL COORDINATION (CONAC) OF THE PASTORAL LAND COMMISSION (CPT) FIRES WORKERS WHO REPORTED HARASSMENT
Women workers from the National Secretariat of the Pastoral Land Commission (CPT) reported, months ago, a series of instances of moral harassment committed by the coordinator of the documentation sector. The case was reviewed by the organization’s ethics committee, which recommended the removal of the coordinator—the only dismissal suggested in the report. However, the National Coordination of the CPT reacted by firing two of the women who were victims of the harassment and who had signed the complaint (the most senior staff in the documentation sector among those who signed the letter).
The stance of the National Coordination of the CPT is incompatible with the organization’s stated historical mission to defend workers’ rights, to provide care, and to pursue social justice. One of the organization’s key areas of work is the dissemination of data and reports on situations of abuse and labor exploitation. However, in practice, the National Coordination has acted in an authoritarian and harmful manner. In addition to delays in addressing the reported situations, they have persecuted and punished the victims. This is not a new issue, and it has worsened in the current administration. Since last year, the CPT has been facing two labor lawsuits, also involving the National Secretariat of the CPT. Will the CPT be the next organization to appear on the list of workplace harassment cases? Do the grassroots members of this organization agree with and endorse such actions?
At the National Secretariat of the CPT, the atmosphere is one of fear and persecution. Mental illness has become the norm. Meetings where workers cry have become routine, yet no one does anything to support the health of these workers. Despite all this, they continue to keep the National Secretariat running and have completed the latest Conflicts Report, many relying on medication and psychiatric treatment. The board claimed, at the time of the dismissals, a lack of resources. “Coincidentally,” the workers chosen for dismissal due to the alleged lack of resources were the two who had reported the harassment. After last year’s labor lawsuits, is this how the CONAC is handling new problems at the National Secretariat? Does the CPT endorse the actions of the National Coordination?
We call upon organizations and political and social movements that do not accept workplace abuse to put pressure on the CPT, especially the National Coordination, to end the persecution and to reverse the dismissal of the workers from the documentation sector. We cannot tolerate harassment in any space—especially not in those that claim to fight against it.
We offer our pages as spaces for workers and former workers who wish to share their stories and make their reports, ensuring anonymity. We also welcome individuals and organizations who wish to support these persecuted workers, whether through legal assistance, psychological support, or guidance of any kind. Send us a private message!
END THE PERSECUTION AND TERROR IMPOSED BY CONAC
IMMEDIATE REINSTATEMENT OF THE PERSECUTED WORKERS
END WORKPLACE ABUSE
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