Over the past 12 months, Custodio e Bissetti Advogados Associados has acted in several high-profile labour and employment matters.
- For a company in the real estate consulting sector, the firm represented the company in litigation concerning the reversal of a dismissal for cause, severance pay differences, and moral damages. The team successfully contested all claims, proving the claimant’s serious misconduct, which involved theft and diversion of electrical cables, and obtained dismissal of the action. Appeals filed by the claimant were denied, and the case is currently pending judgment of an interlocutory appeal before the 2nd Region Labour Court (July 2024).
- For a company in the metal packaging industry, the firm defended a claim involving overtime, hazard pay, functional deviation, and pay parity. A technical expert confirmed the absence of hazardous conditions, and the case was dismissed in its entirety. No appeal was filed, and the first-instance decision became final in July 2024, with an estimated value of US$ 50,000.
- For a company in the information technology sector, the firm advised in complex litigation where the claimant alleged occupational disease, sexual harassment, overtime, and salary differences. A medical expert concluded that there was no occupational disease, and the case was dismissed at first instance. The 2nd Region Labour Court upheld this decision on appeal, and after a motion for clarification, the dismissal was maintained. The case, valued at US$ 60,000, is awaiting certification of final judgment.
- The firm also represented companies in the wellness and entertainment sectors in a lawsuit seeking recognition of an employment relationship. Having inherited the case after a first-instance conviction, the team filed a constitutional complaint before the Supreme Federal Court. In a landmark ruling, Minister Dias Toffoli upheld the defence’s request, reversing the adverse judgment. This matter, valued at US$ 150,000, remains ongoing.
- For a company in the engineering sector, Custodio e Bissetti defended against claims of discriminatory dismissal and moral damages due to psychiatric illness. The defence demonstrated that the termination occurred during a restructuring process involving multiple redundancies, with no discriminatory intent, and the claim was dismissed in a case valued at US$ 80,000.
- In addition to litigation, the firm conducted a significant labour and compliance due diligence for a company in the adhesive products sector, the Brazilian branch of a Colombian group. The audit evaluated all employment contracts, service provider agreements, ongoing labour claims, potential liabilities, risk of future litigation, and compliance with labour tax obligations. Completed in October 2024, this work served as a guide for the company’s strategic decisions following the replacement of its general manager.
- The firm also advised a company in the real estate consulting sector in complex union negotiations across multiple Brazilian jurisdictions, harmonising working hours and standardising compensation for branches nationwide. This highly technical work, still ongoing, was essential to generate operational savings and prevent future labour disputes.
- Most recently, a company in the insurance brokerage sector engaged the firm in proceedings before the Labour Prosecution Office, following an anonymous complaint alleging electoral harassment during municipal elections. Custodio e Bissetti demonstrated the company’s neutrality and commitment to inclusion and freedom of expression, achieving full dismissal of the allegations. The case was successfully concluded in December 2024.