The Brazilian federal government has announced a further 90-day postponement of ordinance 3.665/2023, which imposes restrictions on commerce work during holidays. Originally set to take effect on March 1, the decision made by the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MTE) aims to provide additional time for discussion between representatives of workers and employers regarding the future implementation of the rules. This extension is set to be published in the official gazette, marking another delay in the enforcement of the contentious ordinance.

This decision marks the sixth time that the implementation of ordinance 3.665 has been postponed. Initially published in November 2023, shortly before the holiday on November 15, the ordinance has been the subject of debate since it seeks to revert changes made under former President Jair Bolsonaro's administration. The previous measure removed restrictions on holiday work, allowing employees in sectors like supermarkets to work with minimal notice from their employers, sparking controversy among labor representatives who assert that proper agreements are necessary for such conditions.

The postponement reflects ongoing tensions between labor rights and commerce operational needs in Brazil. As stakeholders continue to negotiate the implications of these rules, the government’s decision indicates a willingness to revisit and potentially amend labor regulations that impact holiday work. The future of ordinance 3.665 will be contingent on the discussions planned over the next three months, as both employers and employees aim to establish a framework that respects workers' rights while addressing commerce needs during holiday periods.