Love affair with director is not a reason for firing Galp CEO

Experts in labor law rule out the existence of a reason for dismissal for just cause. The entire case “smacks of a character assassination operation designed to run a person.”

The consensual love relationship between Galp’s CEO, Filipe Silva, and an employee of the company, which does not constitute a reason for dismissal for just cause, unless behavior harmful to the company is proven.

The consideration comes from experts in labor law consulted by , who state that there is no legal basis for dismissal based solely on the existence of a romantic relationship between employees.

A possible dismissal, in this case, “smacks of character assassination operation destined to run with a person and pave the way for anyone interested in the position”, believes lawyer Antônio Garcia Pereira, who highlights that workers maintain the right to private life.

The relationship, reported anonymously to the Galp Ethics Committee, raised questions about ethics and conflicts of interest.

However, lawyers consulted by JE emphasize that Galp’s Code of Conduct does not prohibit emotional relationships between employees.

Only behavior that seriously harms the company or breaks the relationship of trust could justify dismissal for just cause, reinforces Joana Miranda, specialist in labor law. “There must be behavior that is so serious that the continuation of the employment relationship is not possible”he explains.

Luís Gonçalves da Silva also reinforces that, in light of what is publicly known, the relationship falls within the CEO’s private sphere and does not appear to cause functional problems.

The possibility of conflicts of interest you also need proof that decisions were made for personal benefit or that harmed the company, experts explain. So far, there is no evidence of such situations in this Galp case.

“Unless there is some fact that we are not aware of, of harassment or undue protection or any other benefit, I do not see any legal relevance for him to be fired.. From what I saw, there is no legal basis”, says Gonçalves da Silva.

If he is fired, Filipe Silva will be able to take legal action. The process could include an injunction to suspend the dismissal and, subsequently, a request for reinstatement or compensation. The court would assess the legality of the dismissal, considering whether there was a breach of trust or harm to the company.