Paulo Skaf, president of the Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo (FIESP), said a proposal to end the 6x1 work schedule is an absolute delay [1].
The debate centers on the potential economic impact of reducing mandatory working days for millions of employees. If passed, the measure would fundamentally alter labor costs and operational structures across the Brazilian productive sector.
Speaking during a live interview on CNN Brasil on May 9, 2026 [1], Skaf addressed Proposed Constitutional Amendment 12/2026 (PEC 12/2026) [1]. The proposal seeks to eliminate the 6x1 scale, a system where employees work six consecutive days followed by one day of rest [1].
Skaf said the proposal is an absolute delay [1]. He said that removing this specific work arrangement would result in additional costs for employers and a loss of overall productivity [1]. According to Skaf, these factors would ultimately damage the competitiveness of Brazilian companies on both domestic and international stages.
In a separate statement, Skaf said the proposal to end the 6x1 scale represents a retrocession for the industry [2]. He said that the productive sector requires flexibility to maintain output levels.
While industry leaders express concern over costs, the proposal has faced a different interpretation from government officials. Minister Boulos said the resistance from employers was excessive employer terrorism, suggesting that the shift away from the 6x1 scale would be beneficial for the workforce [3].
The conflict highlights a growing divide between labor rights advocates and industrial leadership regarding the sustainability of traditional work shifts in the modern economy.
“"A proposta é um atraso absoluto."”
The opposition from FIESP signals a significant legislative hurdle for PEC 12/2026. Because the 6x1 schedule is widely used in retail and services, any mandate to eliminate it would force companies to either hire more staff to cover shifts or increase overtime pay, potentially fueling inflation in service costs.
