Brazilian federal deputy Erika Hilton (PSOL-SP) is set to take significant steps on Tuesday, February 25, by officially presenting her Proposta de Emenda à Constituição (PEC) aimed at abolishing the 6x1 work schedule. This initiative has drawn considerable attention as Hilton, accompanied by representatives from the Movimento Vida Além do Trabalho (VAT), has already secured 234 signatures, greatly exceeding the 171 required to trigger parliamentary discussions.
The 6x1 work schedule requires employees to work for six consecutive days with only one day off. Under current laws, it allows for up to eight hours per day and 44 hours weekly—a system put in place amid the era of Getúlio Vargas's labor reforms. The proposed change, if adopted, would allow for eight-hour days and 36-hour weeks, equipping workers with four days on followed by three days off.
During the announcement event scheduled to take place at the Salão Verde of the Chamber of Deputies, Hilton aims to rally support for the cause with allied organizations and social movements.
"The PEC to end the 6x1 work schedule will make another step forward. It has taken months of articulations and struggle, and we are still far from done. But our agenda for dignity is now privileged within the national debate," Hilton said via her social media.
Among the supporters of the PEC are various labor unions, social movements, and political figures from leftist parties, including the PSOL, PT, and PCdoB. These groups have emphasized the human right to adequate rest and leisure as part of their arguments. They point out the exhaustion and labor-related stress workers face under the current system.
To promote the proposal, Hilton has also organized national mobilizations. Activities such as leafleting (panfletagem) are planned across fourteen states including Brasília, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Manaus. This push aims to raise awareness and wider acceptance of the proposed legislative change.
According to her team, once the PEC is presented, it will require the endorsement of the Chamber's president, Hugo Motta (Republicans), before progressing to the Comissão de Constituição e Justiça (CCJ) for thorough examination.
Despite the considerable support amassed, the proposal faces challenges. Opponents, particularly from the center-right, argue against government-led changes, advocating instead for negotiations directly between employers and employees. Some business representatives express concerns about potential economic repercussions if such structural changes are instituted.
Hilton remains determined, asserting her commitment to ensuring workers enjoy more balanced work-life conditions. "This is not just about numbers; it’s about lives and families. We aim to negotiate terms flexible enough to potentially include intermediary arrangements, such as the 5x2 schedule, which offers five workdays followed by two off days,” she explained. This flexibility indicates her willingness to engage industry stakeholders to find common ground.
Adding to the societal discourse, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin (PSB) previously highlighted the international trend toward reducing work hours, acknowledging the importance of discussing these changes within Congress.
If the PEC passes, it could mark a pivotal shift in Brazil's labor laws, aligning the nation with global trends prioritizing flexibility and well-being for workers. Yet, this challenge urges careful navigation of the dialogue, ensuring all voices, especially of the workers, are duly represented.
The legislative developments surrounding this PEC present not only the potential for changing work rhythms but also reveal insights about the social fabric of Brazilian society and its labor values. The outcome, as anticipated, will resonate beyond legislative floors—echoing within homes and communities across Brazil.