End of the 6x1 scale: workers celebrate more days off, but businesses and restaurants fear impacts in the Campinas region

The approval of the end of the 6x1 scale by the Federal Senate, on Wednesday (14), divided opinions in the region of Campinas (SP).

While workers celebrate the possibility of having two days off a week, representatives of commerce and bars and restaurants fear increased costs and difficulties in adapting schedules.

The proposal received 75 votes in favor and one against. As the Chamber of Deputies had already approved the same text, the measure goes to the National Congress for promulgation.

The text provides for two days of paid rest per week, without salary reduction, and a gradual reduction in the maximum working hours from 44 to 40 hours per week.

Repercussion among workers

For trancista Yasmin Eloi, the change represents an opportunity to spend more time with her family.

"Wow, I thought it was incredible. This will help a lot, both traders and employees, to be able to have some extra time off with their family, to be able to have more time to rest", he said.

Cook Norberta Aparecida also celebrated. "There will be more time for leisure, for family, for taking care of the person themselves, because often we don't even have time to take care of ourselves."

Maintenance technician Vinícius Gama fears that the change will increase pressure on employees.

"If it affects the businessman's pocket, then it will affect the worker's pocket. There will be greater charges for the worker", he said.

According to the president of the OAB Campinas Labor Law Commission, Franciele Aparecida Gurgel, the two days off can improve the quality of life and mental health of workers.

“It’s a lot of time dedicating yourself to someone, to a job and little time for yourself,” he said.

When does the change take effect?

The new rules do not take effect immediately. The proposal foresees a transition period of 14 months, divided into two stages:

First 60 days: reduction of working hours from 44 to 42 hours per week, with two days off that do not need to be consecutive.

Next 12 months: reduction of working hours to 40 hours per week.

During this period, salaries cannot be reduced.

According to Franciele, the application of the rules may still require regulations and collective negotiations. The lawyer states that sectors such as health and essential services are not included in the change.

Changes to bars and restaurants

The Brazilian Association of Bars and Restaurants (Abrasel) is against the proposal and foresees difficulties in maintaining service with shorter hours.

According to the president of the entity in the Metropolitan Region of Campinas, André Mandetta, establishments should try to reorganize teams before hiring new employees.

"At first, before hiring, the company will try to make do with what it has, rearrange the schedule, work with fewer people on each schedule. This will obviously harm service," he said.

Mandetta also foresees an increase in hiring costs and states that some restaurants are already considering closing another day of the week.

Commerce fears impact on Christmas

SindiVarejista Campinas also assesses that the adaptation period is short, mainly due to the proximity of Christmas, the sector's main sales period.

According to the entity's economist, Jaime Vasconcelos, companies will need to review schedules, calculate costs and evaluate new hires.

"If the PEC is enacted in the next 10 days, these effects will begin to be felt close to Christmas, the main retail date," he stated.

For Vasconcelos, the reduction in working hours should occur gradually, considering the adaptation needs of employers.