The Proposed Amendment to the Constitution (PEC) that seeks to end the 6×1 schedule, which establishes six consecutive working days followed by a rest period, was approved on May 27 by the Chamber of Deputies. With a total of 472 votes in favor and 22 votes against in the first round, and 461 votes in favor and 19 votes against in the second round, the PEC now goes to be analyzed by the Federal Senate. The proposal aims to reduce the current constitutional ceiling of working hours from 44 to 40 hours per week and establish two days of leave, preferably on Sundays. The transition to the new work schedule will be 14 months, with the last two hours being adopted after one year of promulgation. Three deputies who initially voted against the PEC did not return for the second round, thus failing to exercise their right to vote, these were Fausto Pinato, Paulo Marinho Jr. and Zé Trovão.
The 6×1 schedule was one of the main topics of discussion about work in Brazil in recent years. For many people, reducing working hours is a conquest to improve quality of life and balance between work and personal life. In addition, reducing working hours can also bring benefits for the worker’s health and safety. However, the implementation of this schedule may have a negative impact on the productivity and competitiveness of companies. Many companies may have difficulty adapting their businesses to the new working conditions and may need adjustments to their structures and processes to guarantee the sustainability of the businesses.
The PEC now goes to be analyzed by the Federal Senate, where it will need to pass through the Constitution and Justice Committee (CCJ) to be validated and, subsequently, go to the senators. If approved, the PEC will be promulgated and will come into force after the 14-month transition. Although it is still early to anticipate the exact consequences of implementing the 6×1 schedule, it is important that stakeholders, including employers and workers, are involved in the debates and discussions about the implementation of this schedule. This can help ensure that the changes are implemented in a fair and equitable manner.
