KudoZ: term help for translators

The KudoZ network provides a framework for translators and others to assist each other with translations or explanations of terms and short phrases.

Douglas Bissell

Portugal

especiarias

Portuguese to English Other Slang

...e influenciam em decisões trabalhistas EM TROCA DE ESPECIARIAS.

Is this slang for bribes?

Proposed translations (English)

Donna Sandin Sep 26, 2021: Amazing! I just tuned in, am amazed at the resourcefulness displayed in coming up with the right solution....only on ProZ!
Charles R. Castleberry Sep 26, 2021: @Nick A deal sweetener by any other name is still a deal sweetener for which, and in the least, this community should applaud you not as a loud and abounding Sower of doubt, but as a Seeker of solutions
Nick Taylor Sep 26, 2021: @Douglas By (tenuous inference) - (deal)sweeteners.......huh?
Oliver Simões Sep 25, 2021: Douglas That's an odd use of the word for sure (at least in this context). I searched and found nothing as far as slang goes, except for "drugs" and "spices". Not even the Dicionário Informal shows any other definition. I definitely recommend asking your client for clarification. Otherwise, the translation will be a shot in the dark. :-) Good luck.
Mario Freitas Sep 25, 2021: Allusion I believe this is an allusion to European nations like Portugal changing the gold they got from Brazil with spices England got from India at very low prices. If that's the case, it probably means they are influencing decisions for a very low price, way below what they should get.
Douglas Bissell (asker) Sep 25, 2021: My first idea was 'Robalos'
Ana Vozone Sep 25, 2021: Será como "bens em espécie" cash, contributions in kind?