A Topic of Debate in Brazil: Reduction of Working Hours

Since the end of last year, various proposals demanded to reduce Brazil's normal working week from 44 to 36 hours with or without impacting wages. The movements have gained public attention and sparked heated debates in Brazil.  

HR Policy Global’s Take: It is not clear when or if Congress will start the approval process. However, employers should be vigilant on new developments and ensure effective communications with employees. 

A new proposal from the Workers’ Party (PT), also President Lula De Silva’s party, suggested the following changes: 

• Workweek Reduction: Propose a 36-hour workweek, from Monday to Friday, without salary cuts.
• Elimination of the "6x1 Workday": Ensure workers have the right to a free weekend.
• Travel Time Inclusion: Count travel time as part of the working day in cases of difficult access locations or when public transport does not align with work schedules.
• Overtime Restrictions: Prohibit pregnant women from working overtime from the sixth month of pregnancy and breastfeeding women up to six months after giving birth.
• Hiring Requirement for Overtime: Employers must hire new employees if overtime exceeds six consecutive months, proportional to the number of additional hours worked.
• Overtime Compensation: Overtime on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, or compensated days would be paid at least 100% higher than normal hours.
• Rest Breaks: Rest breaks during the workday to be counted as time worked.
• Shift Flexibility: Provisions for 12-hour shifts as long as the monthly total respects the maximum total allowed by the new rules.

On the other hand: However, the proposals are not lacking criticism as some people believe the changes will pose significant economic challenges for Brazil, destabilizing the Brazilian economy, increasing unemployment, and exacerbating existing social issues.