MISUSE AND ACCUMULATION OF FUNCTIONS: DISTINCTION, CONSEQUENCES, AND WORKER RIGHTS

Abstract

Role deviation and accumulation of duties have become increasingly common phenomena in contemporary labor relations, especially due to the flexibilization of labor relations, the intensification of multifunctionality, and new forms of productive organization. These practices have generated important legal and social debates, mainly because of their impacts on workers’ remuneration, occupational health, and contractual balance within employment relationships. This study aimed to analyze the conceptual distinctions and legal consequences of these practices from the perspective of the Brazilian legal system. The research adopted a qualitative, exploratory, and bibliographic methodology, based on the analysis of doctrines, legislation, scientific articles, case law, and academic productions related to Labor Law. Databases such as Google Scholar, Scielo, Revista do Tribunal Superior do Trabalho, and specialized legal journals were consulted using descriptors related to role deviation, accumulation of duties, multifunctionality, and labor precariousness. The results demonstrated that role deviation and accumulation of duties present significant conceptual differences, although both may represent forms of labor precariousness when practiced abusively. It was also observed that Brazilian labor jurisprudence has played a fundamental role in protecting workers’ rights in such situations. The study concluded that the effectiveness of constitutional principles such as human dignity and the social value of labor is essential to ensure balance, legal protection, and social justice in contemporary labor relations.