From Brazilian law to employee advocacy: meet Thereza Fontana, ALEBA Delegate

Two years ago, she didn't even expect to be elected. Today, she serves as both the Equality Delegate and Vice-President of her company's delegation. Thereza Fontana, a former practising lawyer from Brazil, found much more than a new career in Luxembourg; she discovered a completely different work culture, one she now passionately defends as an ALEBA representative.

Thereza’s journey to the Grand Duchy began with a simple visit that turned into love at first sight. While practising law in her home country, a former colleague and friend relocated to Luxembourg. Upon visiting, Thereza was immediately captivated by the country. By September 2022, she had packed her bags, secured an in-house lawyer role at a local service company, and started her new life. What struck her most upon arriving was the profound shift in workplace mentality compared to her past experiences. "Back home, we take a lot of our work culture from the United States, which isn't exactly a great model to follow," she notes, explaining how employees are often expected to work themselves to the point of exhaustion. "Here, there is a much greater desire for work-life balance, for setting boundaries, and for taking care of your mental health. You shouldn’t be in a horrible situation just because you need the money to survive."

Her foray into union representation was entirely unexpected. Having been with her company for only a year and a half, a colleague approached her to bring more women into the delegation. "I joined, but I really didn't think I was going to be voted in, so it was a bit of a surprise," she admits with a smile. Now, representing a workforce of around 100 employees, Thereza finds deep satisfaction in her dual role. As the Equality Delegate, she brings a critical eye to office dynamics, ensuring fairness. But her broader goal is simply to be a reliable point of contact for her colleagues.

"When there is a new joiner, I reach out to introduce myself and say, 'I'm part of the staff delegation, this is our role, if you need anything, reach out.' Just keeping that day-to-day contact."

Thereza is a staunch advocate for boundaries, practising what she preaches regarding the right to disconnect. "When I'm at work, I'm at work. And when I'm at home, I'm at home, so I'm not checking my phone or emails," she explains. She encourages colleagues to assert their right to breaks, recalling advice from a former manager: "It's not because you don't smoke that you can’t have a break. If you're stuck on something or a frustrating meeting happened, take 15 minutes outside. Walk a bit, get a coffee. The work is going to be there when you come back."

For Thereza, being an ALEBA delegate means being a mediator. "It’s an interesting position because you are usually between conflicts or delicate situations between employees and management," she observes. "Going in too aggressively shuts down any kind of conversation. The most important function is to listen, relay the message, and open up dialogue." She found that ALEBA provides the exact backing needed for this delicate work. When her company underwent a merger that brought together two separate staff delegations, ALEBA provided clear, actionable legal support for handling the transition.

However, her role also requires confronting uncomfortable realities, particularly those related to gender equality. While Luxembourg offers strong labour protections, Thereza acknowledges that the professional landscape still has ground to cover. "There's still a gap, mostly higher up in the companies, impacting greatly when it comes to salary and titles," she says. "But more than that, there's a difference in treatment. You look at a room with four women to six men, and people think it's fine, this is equality. But it's much deeper. When you bring up an opinion or question a decision, suddenly you are ‘opinionated’ or have a 'very strong personality.' It’s the little comments you hear." She remains committed to advancing these conversations, knowing that change requires persistence.

Reflecting on the power of collective action, Thereza encourages more employees to get involved. Coming from Brazil, where a vast geography led to highly fragmented and sometimes weakened unions, she appreciates the concentrated impact a union can have in Luxembourg. "The more members, the more information is spread, and the conversation goes outside of the company," she urges.

"It is much easier to do something as a team than it is to do it alone. This is what the power of ALEBA can be if we are together."

When asked why others should consider becoming a staff delegate, Thereza is clear: it’s about opening a dialogue and being the bridge that prevents conflicts from escalating. Her message to both current and future ALEBA members is simple but powerful: "Connect with one another, share your experiences, and fight for what you think is right. " For Thereza, the essence of this collective power boils down to a single principle that has defined her entire experience with the union. If she had to describe ALEBA in just one word, her choice is immediate: "Support."