Public Hearing Exposes Precarious Working Conditions at Banco do Brasil

On November 27, 2025, the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies’ Labor Commission held a public hearing in Brasília to discuss the worsening working conditions at Banco do Brasil. The hearing, led by Deputy Erika Kokay (PT-DF), focused on the detrimental impacts of ongoing internal restructuring, including branch closures and staff reductions, which have severely affected both employees and customers.

Kokay highlighted alarming increases in mental health issues among employees, such as chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout syndrome. These health concerns are attributed to excessive workloads, insecurity stemming from organizational changes, and management practices that neglect employee well-being. The restructuring has also led to a decline in service quality, especially in remote areas where branch closures have limited access to essential banking services.

The deputy emphasized that these developments undermine Banco do Brasil's traditional social and strategic role in Brazil, as reduced staff and higher performance targets result in longer wait times and diminished support for clients. The hearing aimed to bring attention to these critical issues affecting the bank’s workforce and its public service quality, framing them as a consequence of precarious labor conditions exacerbated by restructuring.

This discussion reflects growing concerns about labor rights and organizational management within Brazil’s public banking sector, underscoring the need for policies that balance efficiency with employee health and public service obligations.