The Brazilian government launched a campaign on Sunday (Apr. 3) to end of the six-day workweek followed by one day off (6x1) without reducing pay. The goal of the proposal is “to ensure more time for life beyond work, including time with family, for leisure, culture, and rest.”

At least 37 million workers could benefit from the reduction.

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“For comparison, the income tax exemption for those earning up to BRL 5,000 per month has benefited approximately 10 million people. Guaranteeing rest also has the potential to positively impact the economy, aligning with a modern vision of development that combines productivity, well-being, and social inclusion,” said the Secretariat of Social Communication (Secom).

The government’s proposal establishes a new 40-hour weekly work limit while maintaining an eight-hour workday, including for workers on special schedules. As a result, workers would be guaranteed two consecutive 24-hour weekly rest periods, preferably on Saturdays and Sundays.

The five-day workweek, followed by two days off, may be established through collective bargaining, taking into account the specific characteristics of each occupation.

Campaign

With the slogan “More time to live. Without losing pay. Because time isn’t a perk - it’s a right,” the campaign to end the 6-on-1 work schedule will run across digital media, television, radio, newspapers, movie theaters, and the international press.

The proposal is to raise awareness among employees and employers that reducing the work schedule means supporting workers’ time with their families, strengthening Brazilian families, and valuing not only work but also life beyond it,” Secom noted.

According to Secom, the government argues that the change aligns with recent economic transformations, such as technological advancements and productivity gains. “More balanced work schedules tend to reduce absenteeism, improve performance, and lower turnover.”

Bill

On April 14, the federal government submitted a bill to Congress amending the Consolidated Labor Laws (CLT). The proposal, which is being considered under a constitutional urgency procedure, would reduce the maximum workweek from 44 to 40 hours, guarantee two days of paid rest, and prohibit any reduction in wages.

In practice, the bill would put an end to the 6x1 work schedule. The initiative is being considered alongside other proposals in Congress, which has created a special committee to analyze a proposed constitutional amendment on the issue.