On Wednesday 13th, Brazilian parliamentarians voted on the possible end of the 6×1 work schedule in the country. Presented by Erika Hilton (PSOL-SP), the Proposed Amendment to the Constitution (PEC) received 194 signatures, more than the number needed for it to advance in Congress.
In other words, over the next few days, Brazil will still see a number of debates about the end of the 6×1 scale, both in the political sphere and on social networks. Here are some of the most common questions about the PEC, so you can stay on top of the discussions.
What is the 6×1 scale?
The 6×1 work schedule is a system in which employees work six days in a row, with the right to one day off. Currently, the maximum working hours allowed under Brazilian law are 8 hours a day and 44 hours a week.
Thus, people working 6×1 usually work 8 hours on weekdays and 4 hours on Saturdays, or 7.20 hours from Monday to Saturday, with Sundays off.
Which establishments use the 6×1 scale?
This model is widely used in sectors with continuous operations, i.e. those that cannot stop at weekends. These include
- Industries
- Pharmacies
- Supermarkets
- Security services
- Transportation
- Call centers
What are the PEC’s proposals to end the 6×1 shift?
First of all, the PEC proposes an end to the 6×1 work schedule. This way, employers would no longer be able to give employees just one day off.
In addition, it suggests that the weekly limit of hours worked be reduced from 44 to 36, with no reduction in salary or daily working hours. In this way, a 4×3 work schedule would be adopted, i.e. 4 days on and 3 days off.
What happens now that the PEC has received the necessary signatures?
Wednesday’s vote was just the first step towards a possible change in Brazilian labor laws. That’s because, now that it has obtained enough signatures, the PEC still needs to go through a series of analyses and votes within national political bodies.
Firstly, the PEC will be analyzed by the CCJ (Constitution, Justice and Citizenship Commission) of the Chamber of Deputies, which will verify that it does not infringe on any fundamental clause of the Brazilian Constitution. In other words, that it does not violate any immutable clause, such as the universal rights of citizens.
If approved, a special committee will analyze the PEC and may make changes to its original text, which will then be voted on in two rounds in the House plenary. If approved, it will then go to the Senate for another vote in two rounds. Finally, the text can be approved in its entirety, modified or rejected by the national bodies.
Which countries use the 6×1 scale?
Currently, some countries in the world make use of the 6×1 working day. Mexico, Colombia, India and Greece, for example, allow working hours of up to 48 hours, divided into six days. In addition, countries in the Middle East and North Africa such as Iran, Libya and Somalia make use of this working model.