Paulo Skaf, president of the Federação das Indústrias do Estado de São Paulo (Fiesp), said the debate to end the 6x1 work schedule is political blackmail.
The dispute highlights a growing tension between labor advocates seeking shorter work weeks and industrial leaders who warn that rapid changes could increase operational costs.
The 6x1 schedule, where employees work six days and have one day off [3], is currently under scrutiny in Brazil. A Senate debate regarding the proposal to end this system took place on July 1, 2026 [1]. The proposal suggests a shift toward a 40-hour work week [2].
Skaf said that discussing the end of the 6x1 schedule during an election period amounts to political pressure. He said that the government's discussion on the matter is not transparent. In an interview with CNN Brasil, Skaf said, "Não se pode fazer chantagem," or "Blackmail cannot be done."
Fiesp is urging that any formal vote on the labor change wait until after the October elections. Skaf said the organization is against discussions on the end of the 6x1 schedule when the motivation is electoral.
The industrial leader said the timing of the proposal is designed to influence voters rather than address economic realities. He said the debate should be free from electoral influence to ensure a sustainable transition for businesses.
“"Não se pode fazer chantagem"”
The clash between Fiesp and the government reflects a broader global debate over work-life balance and productivity. By framing the 6x1 debate as electoral leverage, Skaf is attempting to shift the conversation from a labor right to an economic risk, potentially delaying legislative action until the political climate stabilizes after the October elections.
