His dismissal, made official in ​Monday's official gazette, is the latest flashpoint in a crisis between President Luiz Inacio Lula ⁠da Silva's government and the traditionally independent inspectors who target serious labor abuses. Marinho has previously been accused of interfering ​in their work to keep big companies off the list.

Brazil's Labor Ministry said the dismissal was "an administrative act," without ​providing further details. Mello did not reply to a request for comment.