Brazil defends reducing workweek to 40 hours
Brazil’s Minister of Labor and Employment, Luiz Marinho, has defended reducing the workweek from 44 to 40 hours during a hearing at the Labor Committee of the Chamber of Deputies in Brasília, as reported by the official website of the federal government on May 7, 2025.
The proposal aims to open space for a balanced dialogue between government, employers and workers, aiming to adjust the labor regime without compromising productivity or economic balance.
During the hearing, Marinho highlighted the importance of a gradual and negotiated transition. The minister also commented on the issue on the Bom Dia, Ministro program on Canal Gov, where he declared: “I don’t see any resistance from the business community to reducing the maximum working hours.”
The debate was led by deputy Léo Prates and included the participation of deputy Erika Hilton, president of the special subcommittee discussing the end of the 6×1 scale, and deputy Luiz Gastão, rapporteur of the proposal.
The 6×1 work shift is a work regime where the worker works for six consecutive days and has only one day off. It is common in sectors that require constant work, such as commerce, industry and essential services.
What are the Consequences of Reducing Working Hours?
Reducing working hours could have significant effects on workers’ mental health, quality of life and the organizational structure of companies. According to the minister, less exhausting work environments contribute to increased productivity and the overall well-being of the workforce.
The proposal also has a direct impact on the 6×1 work shift model, which currently requires six consecutive days of work followed by just one day of rest. This format, very common in sectors such as commerce, industry and essential services, was classified by Marinho as “cruel”, especially for women.
A new weekly journey could pave the way for a more balanced and sustainable model.
Legal Implications and New Proposals
As reducing working hours requires changes to the Constitution, any progress depends on debate and approval in the National Congress.
In addition, another bill, presented by Congresswoman Daiana Santos, proposes changes to the Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT), establishing a limit of 40 hours per week and at least two days of rest per week.
More Details and the Next Steps of Reducing Working Hours
Although the idea of reducing working hours is not new, previous attempts to implement this measure, such as the proposal to gradually reduce working hours by half an hour per year, have not moved forward due to a lack of political and economic consensus.
This time, the approach will be more structured. The special subcommittee, led by Erika Hilton, will hold a series of public hearings with representatives of workers, the business sector and labor law experts.
“This will be a space for construction and for us to resolve our doubts collectively,” said the deputy.
Rapporteur Luiz Gastão said that a work plan will be drawn up based on the contributions collected, allowing for a more in-depth technical and social debate on reducing working hours.
Related Content:
6 Easy Steps to Calculate Hours Worked With Precision
How Far Can Desktop Time Trackers Go – Legally?
Create an account and take the hassle out of time tracking - it's FREE forever for unlimited users!
