Brazilian workers press for shorter working hours
Workers’ Day, celebrated this Thursday (May 1), was marked by demonstrations in several Brazilian cities calling for an end to the 6x1 work schedule, which mandates six consecutive days of work followed by one day of rest and remains in force nationwide.
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. These actions also highlighted the demand to end the 6x1 work schedule, combined with the longstanding call for a reduction in the standard 44-hour workweek.
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 in 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 was authored by federal representative Érika Hilton of the Socialism and Freedom Party (PSOL).
Bills to reduce the workweek from 44 to 36 hours are pending in the legislature, but none have made significant progress.
“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, president of PSOL in the Federal District. “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,” says Sara Lins, an activist with Popular Unity (UP) and 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,” he said in a national television broadcast.
