MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Brazilian workers push for shorter labor schemes

Lula, a former union leader himself, voiced his support for public debate on the matter, emphasizing the need for a balance between work and well-being

Demonstrators across Brazil marked Workers' Day Thursday with protests demanding an end to the 6x1 schedule (six consecutive workdays followed by one day of rest) and advocating for a reduction in the standard 44-hour workweek.

The protests, organized by grassroots movements, political parties, and the Life Beyond Work Movement (VAT), took place alongside traditional union-led events in major Brazilian capitals.

A Proposed Constitutional Amendment (PEC) was introduced in the legislature to eliminate the 6x1 schedule and reduce the workweek to 36 hours, though

The issue of the 6x1 workweek gained traction last year following a strong social media mobilization led primarily by VAT, generating a broad debate in society and the media. Around two months ago, a Proposed Constitutional Amendment (PEC) was submitted to the House of Representatives, aiming to eliminate the 6x1 schedule and reduce the standard workweek from 44 to 36 hours. The proposal authored by Federal Representative Érika Hilton of the Socialism and Freedom Party (PSOL) followed others that remain stalled in Congress.

“Reducing the workday has long been a historic demand of workers, and recently, with the push to end the 6x1 schedule, the issue has regained momentum. I believe we’ve gained strength, especially with strikes in supermarket chains and factories,” says Giulia Tadini, PSOL's Chairwoman in the Federal District (Brasilia). “Now we need to keep mobilizing—this type of schedule is deeply inhumane.”

“The black population and women are the groups most harmed by the 6x1 schedule, which in practice often turns into 7x0, as they still have to shoulder the burden of housework,” Popular Unity (UP) activist Sara Lins was quoted as saying by Agencia Brasil. She is also a member of the Olga Benário Women’s Movement.

In his Workers’ Day address, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva called for a broad public debate on the proposal to end the 6x1 work schedule, including discussions on reducing working hours.

“It’s time for Brazil to take this step, listening to all sectors of society to promote a balance between professional life and the well-being of workers, both men and women,” the head of State said in a national TV broadcast. (Source: Agencia Brasil)