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6 On 1 Shift: Reducing the Workweek to 4 Days Could Impact the Industry by R$ 115 Billion a Year; Oil and Gas Sector Will See a Cost Increase of 19.3%
In recent days, a topic has sparked heated debates in the world of work: the Proposed Amendment to the Constitution (PEC) that aims to end the 6 on 1 shift and implement a 4×3 work schedule. This change would directly impact Brazilian workers, but also the industry, which is already calculating the potential costs and challenges of this transition.
According to the Federation of Industries of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Firjan), this change could cost an impressive R$ 115.9 billion a year for the industrial sector. The reason? The need to hire more workers to maintain current productivity. This amount takes into account salaries, labor charges, and the average working hours of employees, based on data from IBGE.
The proposal suggests that the weekly work hours be reduced from 44 to 36, without changing the limit of eight hours per day. In practice, this would mean four days of work and three days off. It sounds like a dream for many workers, but the cost is steep for companies.
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The Reality of Costs
For industries, the change would represent an average increase of 15.1% in personnel expenses. Sectors such as Oil and Natural Gas Extraction would suffer even more, with an impact of up to 19.3%. These numbers are concerning, especially in a context where industrial productivity is already declining.
Between 2013 and 2023, productivity in the Brazilian industry fell by 1.2%, according to the National Confederation of Industry (CNI). Meanwhile, the demand for skilled workers remains one of the sector’s greatest challenges.
A survey by CNI revealed that the lack or high cost of skilled labor is one of the three main barriers to industrial growth in the country. This raises a crucial point: are we ready to adopt the 4×3 work schedule without facing a collapse in productivity?
The Right Time for the Change to the 6 On 1 Shift?
Firjan argues that the current moment is not ideal for such a broad change. The federation emphasizes the need for a more favorable business environment, with skilled workers, competitive tax burden, adequate infrastructure, and simplification of bureaucracy.
Furthermore, Firjan suggests that the discussion about reducing work hours should occur through sectoral agreements, using collective bargaining as a tool for adaptation. This approach would allow for greater flexibility to meet the specific needs of each sector without overburdening the economy.
The Impact on Workers’ Lives
From the workers’ perspective, the 4×3 schedule is appealing. Imagine having three days off each week! This could mean more time for family, hobbies, and even personal development. However, it is important to consider how this reduction in hours would affect wages and job opportunities.
For example, if companies cannot bear the additional costs, this could lead to job cuts or even an increase in informality. What seems like a win for workers could turn into an even greater challenge in the job market.
On the Way to Congress
The PEC has already gathered enough signatures to begin processing in the Chamber of Deputies. However, its advancement depends on consensus among party leaders and approval in committees and in the Plenary.
It is essential that the debate is broad and considers all sides. More than just reducing work hours, it is necessary to create conditions for companies to grow, invest, and generate quality jobs.
The discussion is just beginning, and one thing is certain: the balance between workers’ quality of life and economic sustainability will be the great challenge on this journey.
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