Trade unions demand that the end of the 6x1 shift includes a reduction in working hours
Brazil's major trade unions are advocating for the reduction of the weekly work hours from 44 to 40 as the legislature considers changing the 6x1 work schedule.
On October 10, 2023, the leaders of Brazil's six major trade unions jointly released a statement advocating for a change in the current 6x1 work schedule, arguing that any revisions should involve a reduction in the standard workweek from 44 to 40 hours. This comes in the wake of the announcement made by the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Hugo Motta, that legislative discussion on this issue will commence, reflecting one of President Lula's key priorities this legislative session.
The proposed model supported by the unions would transition to a 5x2 work schedule, allowing workers two days off for every five days of labor. The unionsβ statement emphasizes the social sensitivity needed from lawmakers to recognize the benefits associated with a decreased workweek and the elimination of the 6x1 shift. There is a strong push for these changes to be formalized into law, which they believe would significantly improve workers' rights and well-being.
However, behind the scenes, some union leaders have expressed concerns that the discussion surrounding the reduction of the 6x1 schedule may encounter resistance, as this is a relatively new demand from workers. The outcome of this legislative initiative will be crucial not only for labor rights in Brazil but also for setting a precedent for future labor reforms in Latin America, reflecting broader trends in labor practices and worker advocacy efforts across the region.