Brazilian Lawmaker Warns Against Rapid End to 6x1 Work Schedule

Rep. Joaquim Passarinho (PL-PA) said that ending the 6x1 work schedule without flexibility could increase labor informality in Brazil.

The debate centers on the 6x1 scale, which requires employees to work six consecutive days followed by one day of rest ^[2]. Because this system is widespread in the service sector, any sudden shift in labor laws could disrupt the operations of small businesses and trigger inflationary pressures across the economy.

Speaking on the "Tempo Real" program on Jovem Pan News in April 2024, Passarinho said he advocated for a gradual transition rather than an abrupt change. He said that without mechanisms to allow for flexibility, the move could overburden micro and small enterprises. This pressure, he said, might force businesses to move workers into the informal economy to avoid strict regulatory costs.

"Sem flexibilidade, informalidade pode aumentar," Passarinho said.

While the debate continues among legislators, the legislative path for such a change remains contested. Reports indicate a contradiction regarding the urgency of the proposal. While Passarinho discussed the transition in his interview, the president of the Chamber of Deputies said on April 7, 2024, that the government had decided against sending the bill under an urgency regime ^[1].

Passarinho's concerns highlight the tension between improving worker quality of life and maintaining the viability of small-scale commerce. He said that a rigid mandate to reduce working days could lead to higher prices for consumers, as businesses attempt to offset the cost of hiring additional staff to cover the gaps in the previous 6x1 rotation.