SLAVE-LIKE WORKING CONDITIONS: LABOR LAW LIMITATION PERIODS AND THE NEED FOR AN EXPRESS LEGAL PROVISION ESTABLISHING IMPRESCRIPTIBILITY

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze the application of labor law limitation periods in cases of working conditions analogous to slavery, assess the legal feasibility of the imprescriptibility of such claims, and examine the need for an express legal provision in Labor Law. The study was structured as a narrative literature review. As methodological procedures, academic publications and other literature sources were consulted, including the CAPES Journals Portal, SciELO, Google Scholar, the Brazilian Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (BDTD), books, legal scholarship, legislation, case law, and official documents published between 2000 and 2026 in Portuguese. Materials related to working conditions analogous to slavery, labor law limitation periods, human rights, and imprescriptibility were selected, excluding duplicate publications and studies outside the scope of the research. The literature reviewed indicates that working conditions analogous to slavery constitute a serious violation of human rights and human dignity. It also revealed that the application of general labor law limitation rules may restrict legal protection for victims. However, judicial developments recognizing imprescriptibility in exceptional circumstances were identified, although a legislative gap remains due to the absence of an express legal provision. The findings demonstrated the importance of expanding legal protection for victims within the scope of Labor Law and contributing to the debate on potential amendments to labor legislation.