Ricardo Alban, president of the Confederação Nacional da Indústria (CNI), said that ending the 6x1 work scale could harm Brazil's industrial competitiveness.

The proposal to eliminate the 6x1 shift—where employees work six days and rest one—represents a significant shift in labor law. If passed, the change would force industries to restructure staffing and payroll, potentially increasing operational costs and reducing total productivity in the manufacturing sector.

During an interview on Tuesday, May 26, Alban said to journalist Denise Campos de Toledo that there are economic implications to the shift [1, 2]. He said that the industrial sector faces specific challenges in maintaining output if the work week is shortened without accompanying productivity gains [1]. The discussion also touched upon the "taxa das blusinhas," a tax issue affecting imported low-cost goods that further complicates the competitive landscape for domestic producers [1, 2].

The legislative push to end the 6x1 scale has gained momentum in the National Congress. According to a report by Denise Campos de Toledo, the approval of the measure is already underway, leaving lawmakers to determine how to compensate the productive sector for the resulting economic impacts [3].

This legislative movement follows a critical period of deliberation. A vote on the Proposed Amendment to the Constitution (PEC) regarding the end of the 6x1 scale took place on April 24, 2026 [4]. The CNI said that while worker well-being is important, the transition must be managed to avoid a shock to the industrial system.

Alban said the industrial sector needs a framework that ensures competitiveness remains viable. He said that the government must find a balance between labor rights and the economic reality of factories that operate on tight margins [1].

“The approval of the end of the 6x1 scale is on track.”

The debate over the 6x1 work scale reflects a broader tension in Brazil between improving labor quality of life and maintaining industrial output. If the CNI's concerns are not addressed through compensatory measures, the industry may face higher costs that could lead to price increases for consumers or a decrease in global competitiveness for Brazilian exports.