Petrobras confirms 10 cases of harassment among 81 complaints – 07/13/2023 – Market

Petrobras’ task force to identify situations of sexual violence against female workers has so far confirmed 10 cases out of 81 complaints made between 2019 and 2022. In five of them, the accused were fired.

The investigations began in April, after company employees brought to light a series of reports of sexual harassment in protest against the company’s stance in the investigation of a complaint made by the Federal Public Ministry.

At the time, unions accused the company of negligence when evaluating the case, which involved an employee of Cenpes (Petrobras Research Center). The internal commission that investigated the case acquitted the accused, who was only dismissed after action by the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Among the reports released at the time, women complained of harassment on oil production platforms, company headquarters across the country and even at external events.

In one of them, a maid said that she had to close the door of her room on the platform with a chair to prevent men from entering the rooms. She also claimed that a friend found a colleague touching her panties.

Another said she was grabbed by a manager as they walked back from a party together. In another report, a woman stated that the manager failed to act when a receptionist had her breast felt by an employee.

“Petrobras reaffirms that it does not tolerate any type of violence, especially violence of a sexual nature,” said the company, in a note distributed this Thursday (13). “Past cases were analyzed to understand the set of manifestations received, with the aim of making a diagnosis.”

The company says that a complaint is still being investigated and that it has improved its channels for reporting harassment, with the centralization of the investigation in a single specialized area and the reduction of the period for handling complaints of sexual violence from 120 days to 30 days, among others. measurements.

“In addition, Petrobras has established a Reception Channel, open to the entire workforce, aimed at victims of sexual harassment or violence. As of August, it will include proactive assistance”, stated the company.