Supermarkets in Goiás are facing a potential closure on Sundays starting in April, depending on the outcome of negotiations between commercial establishments and their employees. The move is part of broader discussions taking place in the National Congress in Brasília regarding labor laws, particularly the proposal to amend the standard work schedule from 40 hours to a maximum of 36 hours per week. This shift could fundamentally alter the working conditions for thousands of employees in the region's retail food and grocery sectors.

The negotiations involve local unions representing workers, such as the Sindicato dos Empregados no Comércio Varejista de Gêneros Alimentícios do Estado de Goiás (Secom-GO), and employers represented by the Sindicato do Comércio Varejista de Gêneros Alimentícios no Estado (Sincovaga-GO). Current discussions are focused on reaching an agreement in time for the April 1 deadline, which is the established date for contract adjustments in the sector. Stakeholders emphasize the importance of these negotiations in shaping future working conditions and are actively seeking consensus that balances the needs of both employees and employers.

The implications of this decision reach beyond Goiás, as similar discussions are expected nationwide. The proposal to end the 6x1 work schedule — where employees typically work six days and rest every seventh — is a significant adjustment in labor laws. If successful, this initiative could affect retail operations across Brazil, impacting business hours, employment structures, and overall economic dynamics in the retail sector during weekends, especially in a culture where Sunday shopping remains significant for many consumers.