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Brazil Discusses New Law for Reduced Work Hours Without Salary Cuts for CLT Workers. In Experiments with Reduced Hours, Iceland Saw Economic Growth and Better Well-being Indicators.
While Brazil debates a new bill aimed at transforming the workweek without reducing salaries, a successful experience in Iceland boosts the local economy and may inspire bolder changes in other countries, including Brazil.
This global movement to adapt the work model, which already attracts the attention of economists and workers, brings a perspective beyond immediate profit and excessive hours worked.
The Bill (PL) 1105/2023, authored by Senator Weverton (PDT-MA), proposes a reduced weekly work schedule of four days, without salary cuts for workers.
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Approved by the Senate Committee on Social Affairs (CAS) and awaiting a vote in the Senate plenary, the bill seeks to implement this change exclusively through collective agreements, excluding the possibility of individual agreements, according to the revised version by rapporteur Paulo Paim (PT-RS).
At the international level, countries like France, Germany, and Spain are already discussing or implementing shorter work models, focusing on the balance between personal and professional life and sustainable productivity, as highlighted by Paulo Paim.
In Brazil, this change could represent an important step towards aligning the country with global trends, with benefits for workers’ well-being and the economy.
Studies by Dieese (Inter-union Department of Statistics and Socioeconomic Studies) indicate that the wage cost in Brazil is relatively low compared to the total production, which would make the adoption of reduced hours without salary cuts viable.
Recent Transformations in Brazil
The last major change to the work hours in Brazil occurred in 1988 when the Constitution mandated a 44-hour workweek.
However, in recent decades, technological advancements could have allowed for a redistribution of gains, something that has not been widely implemented.
According to data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), Brazilian salaries lost ground in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), declining by 12.9% between 2016 and 2021.
Meanwhile, profits for companies increased by 16%, reflecting a growing inequality and indicating a scenario favoring the redistribution of productivity gains.
Sociologist Adriana Marcolino from Dieese argues that reducing hours without salary cuts could be a fair alternative for redistributing those gains, benefiting not only workers but also boosting the national economy.
This change, besides being economic, would also be socially just, promoting a better quality of life.
Work Hours and the Impact on Workers’ Health and Well-being
Dr. Maria Maeno from Fundacentro emphasizes that reducing working hours would have positive effects on workers’ health.
With reduced hours, the rates of occupational diseases and accidents tend to fall significantly.
Data from the Unified Health System (SUS) reveal that between 2007 and 2022, nearly three million cases of work-related illnesses were reported, including repetitive strain injuries and accidents.
“These numbers show that with fewer working hours, there is less physical and mental overload, and a greater chance of balanced personal and professional well-being,” says Maeno.
International Experiences: An Icelandic Example
The example of Iceland reinforces the positive economic impact of a reduced workweek.
According to a survey conducted by the Autonomy Institute and the Association for Sustainability and Democracy (Alda), and published on Friday (25), Iceland experienced a four-day workweek with extremely positive results.
In two large trials between 2015 and 2019, involving more than 2,500 employees, productivity remained constant or increased while workers’ well-being improved “dramatically.”
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), in 2023, Iceland recorded economic growth of 5%, surpassing many European economies.
The initial tests in Iceland proved that reducing working hours does not affect productivity.
Following these tests, Icelandic unions secured the right for thousands of workers to shorter workweeks.
Additionally, Iceland’s unemployment rate stood at 3.4% in 2023, one of the lowest in Europe, indicating a promising scenario for implementing similar policies.
The Challenges of Implementation in Brazil
Although the proposal has support from sectors such as the Minister of Labor, Luiz Marinho, employers remain cautious.
Many fear that maintaining 100% productivity may not be possible with reduced working hours.
Clemente Ganz Lucio, technical advisor to the Trade Union Centers, emphasizes that this requirement is the main point of resistance in negotiations.
However, the impact of new technologies and automation in the labor market already pressures for a reorganization that may soon include reduced hours.
With a global scenario showing the viability of this model, Brazil remains attentive to these experiences and evaluates whether such a transformation would be economically viable and socially beneficial.
The Future of Work in Brazil
The debate over reducing working hours without salary cuts promises to divide opinions and mobilize the country in the coming months.
With evidence of positive impact, many experts believe that the measure would bring economic gains and improved quality of life.
However, employers’ resistance suggests that the path to effective implementation is still long.
And you, reader? Do you believe that Brazil should have laws reducing the working hours for Brazilians? Share your opinion in the comments!
Claro que sim seria melhor
Dependendo do trabalho eu não quero falar dos outros mas o meu exige muito esforço físico e hoje mesmo eu estou completamente acabado para sair preciso descansar realmente a semana foi puxada e o sol foi muito desgastante
Claro que sim eu acredito que seria produtivo na economia na saúde mental e no bem-estar geral trabalhadores