The supermarket chain RedeMix has halted the use of its commemorative shirts in all stores located in Bahia, following a decision issued by the Labor Court. This measure was implemented after the Public Ministry of Labor (MPT) filed a lawsuit, raising the possibility of electoral coercion linked to the use of the uniform.
Judge Murilo Carvalho Sampaio Oliveira, acting at the 9th Labor Court of Salvador, issued the determination, requiring the immediate removal of the shirts and their replacement with the company's standard attire. Furthermore, the judicial decision stipulates that the chain must refrain from displaying any symbols, numbers, or elements that could be associated with candidates or political parties during the election period.
In response, RedeMix communicated that it has already complied with the determination, replacing the festive shirts with the traditional uniform worn by employees. On Friday (23rd), the Labor Court ordered the chain, which is the subject of a lawsuit filed by the MPT over suspected electoral harassment, to immediately suspend the use of shirts commemorating the company's 22nd anniversary throughout Bahia.
The MPT's action was based on the claim that the number '22' printed on the uniform could be interpreted as a reference to the presidential election, causing discomfort to employees. According to the body, there were reports of workers feeling pressured while wearing the commemorative outfit.
The retail company justified that the campaign is part of an anniversary celebration, an event held annually between September and November. Rede Mix argued that the number 22 on the clothing refers to the company's age and not to the candidacy number of any candidate for President of Brazil, presenting the MPT with documents proving these past institutional campaigns.
RedeMix also emphasized its respect for the freedom of belief, political orientation, and expression of its employees, guaranteeing the right to free and secret voting. The company assured that employees scheduled on election days will have sufficient time to go to the polls.
The MPT initiated the action due to complaints of worker discomfort. The body maintained that, given the proximity of the second round of elections, the conspicuous display of the number could be seen as a political manifestation in the workplace. The magistrate stressed that the political conviction of the workers must be maintained and that the workplace cannot be used to exert pressure or influence employees' electoral choices.
Although the merits of the action have not yet been judged, the judge considered the sensitive timing because it occurred shortly before the second round. He warned that the exposure of numbers associated with candidates could harm the political autonomy of the workers. The judicial understanding was that, even if it was an anniversary campaign, maintaining the use of the number during the election period is inappropriate, and caution should be applied to other numbers linked to candidates, such as 13.
Determined Measures
The judicial decision imposed several obligations on the company: immediately suspending the use of the 22nd-anniversary shirts, replacing them with neutral uniforms; prohibiting the use of uniforms, badges, stickers, or other items containing the numbers 22 or 13, as well as symbols, colors, or slogans associated with parties or candidates; ensuring the political and voting freedom of the workers; publishing an internal communication stating that the company does not endorse, require, or direct support for any candidate or ideological current; and guaranteeing that employees scheduled for election day have enough time to vote.
In case of disobedience, a daily fine of R$ 50 thousand was established for each unmet obligation, destined for the Fund for the Defense of Diffuse Rights. This determination remains valid until the end of the second round of elections, while the process continues for the analysis of the MPT's allegations.
Understand the Case
The Public Ministry of Labor (MPT) filed a lawsuit against the company in court on Friday (24th), suspecting electoral harassment against workers in Bahia. The body alleged that employees were forced to wear uniforms with a number identical to that of one of the competitors in the second round of the 2026 elections. The MPT requested an injunction to immediately suspend the use of these shirts, as it considered that such an initiative could coerce employees and interfere with the right to vote and freedom of political choice.
Labor Prosecutor Manuella Gedeon, responsible for the case, reported that investigations began after complaints that employees were obliged to wear such shirts during working hours. After receiving the initial complaints, the MPT sent a recommendation to RedeMix to cease any practice that could constitute electoral harassment and to review promotional campaigns with possible political connotations. Although the recommendation was delivered in person, new complaints indicated that the use of the uniforms persisted. An inspection carried out by institutional security staff of the MPT confirmed the continuation of the use of the numbered shirts.
What RedeMix Says in Full
RedeMix declared that it suspended the use of the commemorative shirts from the 2026 anniversary campaign in all its units, replacing them with the company's standard attire. The company reinforced that the shirts, which represent the organization's age, are used annually during the same period, as evidenced by records of previous celebrations, without any political or partisan intention. The company reaffirmed its commitment to the freedom of opinion, conscience, and expression of its employees, guaranteeing free and secret voting, including adequate time for employees scheduled on election day, and repudiating any type of electoral harassment or discrimination related to individual choices. Finally, the company made itself available to the authorities to provide all necessary clarifications.