Leonardo Miguel Severini, president of the Brazilian Association of Wholesalers and Distributors (ABAD), said ending the 6x1 work schedule could increase company costs and consumer prices [1].
The proposal targets the current 6x1 system, where employees work six consecutive days followed by one day of rest [1]. Because the measure would require higher productivity and increase operational expenses, business leaders argue these costs will be passed on to the public [1], [2].
Severini said "the end of the 6x1 scale can increase company costs and impact the prices paid by consumers" [1]. This sentiment is echoed by representatives from Fecomercio de São Paulo, who said the measure could raise operational costs and make consumption more expensive [2].
The proposal is currently moving through the Chamber of Deputies. According to the president of the Chamber, the measure could be voted on in May 2026 [3].
Business associations argue that the transition would force companies to restructure their labor models. This shift may necessitate hiring more staff to cover the gaps left by reduced working hours, a change that adds to the payroll and administrative burden [1], [2].
While the proposal aims to improve worker well-being by reducing the work week, the debate in Brazil has shifted toward the economic viability for small and medium-sized enterprises. The potential for inflation in consumer goods remains a central point of contention for the ABAD and other trade organizations [1].
“"The end of the 6x1 scale can increase company costs and impact the prices paid by consumers."”
This debate highlights the tension between labor rights and operational costs in Brazil's retail and wholesale sectors. If the 6x1 schedule is abolished, businesses may face a choice between absorbing higher labor costs, which could reduce profit margins, or increasing the price of goods, potentially contributing to inflationary pressures on the Brazilian consumer.
