São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas said protecting workers requires providing support to employers to ensure economic viability [1].
The statement addresses a growing debate over labor laws in Brazil, specifically regarding the sustainability of business operations when faced with mandates to reduce working hours.
Speaking May 31, 2024 [2], de Freitas said his criticism focused on the push to eliminate the 6x1 work schedule [1]. This current system requires employees to work six days for every one day off [1]. The governor said reducing the workday is only viable if companies receive relief measures to offset the change, otherwise the shift would harm businesses [1].
"To take care of the worker, you have to take care of the entrepreneur," de Freitas said [1].
He said the labor market is interdependent, and it is not useful to care for the worker without also caring for the employer [1]. The governor's position suggests that unilateral mandates to improve worker conditions, such as ending the 6x1 schedule, could lead to negative economic consequences if the private sector is not supported [1].
De Freitas did not specify which relief measures he believes are necessary, but he said the health of the employer is a prerequisite for the well-being of the employee [1].
“"To take care of the worker, you have to take care of the entrepreneur,"”
This position reflects a pro-business approach to labor reform, suggesting that legislative changes to work schedules should be paired with fiscal or regulatory incentives. By linking worker protections to employer stability, the governor is signaling that the state government may resist labor mandates that increase operational costs for the private sector without accompanying subsidies or tax breaks.
