Romeu Zema, the former governor of Minas Gerais and presidential pre-candidate, proposed a flexible, hourly-pay alternative to Brazil's consolidated labor laws.
This proposal suggests a fundamental shift in the Brazilian employment relationship. By challenging the CLT framework, Zema is positioning himself as a proponent of deregulation to attract business investment and increase worker autonomy.
Zema detailed these proposals during a meeting with representatives of the supermarket sector in São Paulo [1]. The pre-candidate said the current CLT framework is too inflexible for modern economic needs. He said a model based on hourly remuneration would provide workers with more autonomy over their weekly hours [1, 2].
As part of a broader government plan containing 16 directives [2], Zema addressed the ongoing debate regarding the 6x1 work schedule, where employees work six days and have one day off. He said the proposed end of this schedule is detrimental to both businesses and employees [1, 2].
The plan was presented on Thursday, 16 [2]. Zema's approach emphasizes a market-driven labor model over the rigid protections typically associated with the CLT. This strategy aims to reduce the cost of hiring and provide companies with more agility in staffing based on demand [1].
By targeting the supermarket sector, Zema highlighted industries that rely heavily on shift work and variable labor needs. He said the current system fails to account for the operational realities of these businesses [1].
“Zema is positioning himself as a proponent of deregulation to attract business investment.”
Zema's proposal represents a pivot toward a 'gig-economy' style of formal employment, moving away from the traditional stability of the CLT. If implemented, this would likely decrease the fixed costs for employers but could increase income volatility for workers. His opposition to ending the 6x1 schedule further signals a commitment to maintaining high-intensity labor availability for the service and retail sectors.
