A coalition of 25 parliamentary fronts linked to the productive sector called on Monday (March 2) for deeper debates and a delay in analyzing proposals to end the 6x1 work schedule, criticizing the calendar proposed by Chamber President Hugo Motta. The group argues that the discussion is tainted by electoral bias, tied to President Lula's campaign. Productive sector representatives warn of negative economic impacts from a quick change.
At a dinner at the headquarters of the Frente Parlamentar pelo Livre Mercado, representatives from 25 parliamentary fronts of the productive sector, such as the Frente Parlamentar pela Melhoria do Ambiente de Negócio and the Frente Parlamentar da Agropecuária, advocated for a 'modernization of the work schedule' instead of an abrupt change to the 6x1 scale. Chamber President Hugo Motta (Republicanos-PB) proposed analyzing a Constitutional Amendment Proposal (PEC) to end the six-workdays-for-one-rest model still in the first semester, with a final vote projected for May.
Group leaders criticized the calendar as 'electioneering', influenced by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's (PT) re-election campaign, which prioritizes reducing the maximum workweek to 40 hours without salary cuts. The PEC, presented by Deputy Erika Hilton (PSol-SP), was sent to the Constitution and Justice Committee (CCJ) in early February. The CCJ is expected to conclude its analysis in March, without text changes, deciding only if the matter proceeds. Then, a special committee would discuss the merits, and the plenary would require 308 favorable votes in two rounds for approval.
Pedro Lupion (Republicanos-PR), president of the Frente Parlamentar da Agropecuária, stated: 'We agree to debate, but in depth. What we want is to deeply debate this issue'. He added: 'It cannot happen on the calendar they want. Our point is to debate and find the right path'. The productive sector has already pressured Motta for more discussion time.
During the event, parliamentarians watched a presentation by economist José Eduardo Gibello Pastore on a study by the Associação Brasileira das Companhias Abertas (Abrasca). The document indicates that reducing the workweek to 36 hours without salary cuts would increase the hourly wage by 22% and payroll costs, potentially causing economic contraction and a GDP drop. Deputy Arnaldo Jardim (Cidadania-SP) warned: 'We are not against it, but we need to be coherent. Things will get more expensive. Life will get more expensive. It's swimming against the current. Approving is comfortable, but it doesn't look good on the record'.
In parallel, Antonio Neto, president of the Central dos Sindicatos Brasileiros (CSB), rebuked criticisms from Labor Minister Luiz Marinho on delays in the 6x1 agenda, attributing them to the CUT's stance in previous negotiations. Neto said: 'I disagree with Minister Marinho, this account is not the centrals' unions'. We did not reach an agreement because of a central that went all or nothing on two occasions'. The union centrals state they will continue fighting for workweek reduction in Congress.
