O rompimento da barragem B1 da mina Córrego do Feijão em Brumadinho/MG: uma análise do caso sob a perspectiva do direito do trabalho

Abstract

On January 25th of 2019, the B1 dam of the Córrego do Feijão mine, located in

Brumadinho/MG and belonging to Vale S.A., broke, resulting in one of the greatest socio- environmental tragedies in the country's history and causing repercussions in several fields.

However, it is clear that the discussions about the fact have given little space to the labor debates related to the theme. For this reason, through the hypothetical-deductive method and documentary research, this study aims to debate the extension to which it is possible to hold the company accountable from the perspective of Labor Law, by analyzing not only the applicable legislation, but the particularities of the exercise of the activity performed by the company before the event. Therefore, it is necessary to address, in the foreground and in a broad way, basic concepts of Labor Law, focusing on the provisions regarding the work environment and the general responsibilities of the employer, as they constitute the basis of this work. Consequently, the particularities of the mining activity and the rupture of the dam itself are demonstrated with greater clarity, already making, at that moment, considerations about the company's accountability in other spheres (civil, criminal and administrative). Finally, this work aims to establish a parallel between the environmental facts and the labor repercussions, bringing to the discussion the possibilities and limits to the company's labor liability, so that, through the reports and other documents accessed, it was possible to make a general analysis the conduct of the company both with regard to preventive measures and the remedial measures not applied by Vale S.A., so that, through the critical analysis, a complete conclusion could be reached regarding the failure to comply with worker protection rules.