The debate about the end of the 6×1 scale has definitively entered the routine of Brazilians and gained strong prominence on the national scene. After approval of the proposal in the Chamber of Deputies, the text now goes to the Senate for analysis, where it will go through thematic committees and must receive adjustments before being taken to the final vote in the plenary.

In practice, the project proposes a profound change in the organization of work in the country, providing for the gradual reduction of weekly working hours and the extension of rest periods. As expected, the topic sparks intense debates and divides opinions between workers, businesspeople, economists and sector experts. Since the main discussions revolve around the real impacts on company productivity, the health of professionals and the economic dynamics of the market.

For federal labor judge Taciela Cordeiro Cylleno, who also has a master’s degree in Constitutional Law and Public Administration, this conversation goes far beyond a simple reduction in the number of days worked per week.

“When we closely analyze the 6×1 scale, we realize that we are dealing with the most vulnerable part of our labor market. These are professionals who work, to a large extent, in the commerce and services sectors, who generally receive lower wages and very exhausting routines. That is why this discussion should not be seen only from an economic perspective; it is, first and foremost, a question of social impact”, he highlights.

In the judge’s view, the great challenge of the proposal is to find a balance that is viable for both parties. “Our Federal Constitution does not prioritize just one side: it values ​​both the dignity of work and free enterprise. Therefore, it is not a dispute between labor rights and work and economy. The country’s true objective must be to build a model that allows real social advances, without making micro and small companies unviable or putting jobs at risk”, he explains.

Amid so many views on productivity, new hires, overtime costs and the impact on small businesses, it is natural that many doubts arise. With this in mind, the expert answers the main questions that are at the center of the debate in the National Congress. See below:

1. What will really change if the 6×1 scale ends?

For Taciela Cordeiro Cylleno, the proposal goes beyond a simple change in the time off model and seeks to increase the balance between work and personal life. “The main point is to understand that the proposal is not limited to exchanging six days of work and one day off for another format. The project also includes within its scope a gradual reduction in weekly working hours. The central intention is to return time to the worker’s personal life, allowing them to rest better, spend time with their family, enjoy moments of leisure and be able to recover from the physical and mental exhaustion of the work routine”, he explains.

2. Who will feel the impact of this change in the market most?

According to the federal labor judge, some sectors should notice the effects of the change more immediately. “The repercussions will be felt first by those who work in commerce, supermarkets, hotels, bars, restaurants and serving the public in general. Historically, these sectors concentrate the longer journeys and lower salaries. Furthermore, it is a segment with a strong presence of young people at the beginning of their careers and women, who end up being the profiles most affected by this intense routine”, he points out.

3. How are essential services that operate on the weekend, such as hospitals and supermarkets?

The continuity of services will not be at risk, but will require new organizational strategies, according to the judge. “They will also need to adapt. If the project is approved, absolutely all sectors will have to reorganize. But this does not mean that services will no longer be provided. What will occur will be a redistribution and new planning of shift schedules. Brazil already has several sectors that operate with different journeys and specific shifts, which demonstrates that adaptation is possible”, he argues.

4. Can companies compensate for the reduction in working hours by increasing the use of overtime?

Turning overtime into a recurring practice goes against the objective of the proposal. “Current legislation already establishes that overtime must be used to cover unforeseen circumstances or exceptional situations, and not to become a permanent practice. Trying to compensate for the reduction in working hours by making overtime a fixed resource would be an error that would distort the very spirit of the proposal. Furthermore, overtime generate a higher cost for the employer, which in itself acts as a limitation for companies”, details Taciela Cordeiro Cylleno.

In the judge’s opinion, this is one of the topics that generates the most concern among smaller business owners. “This is one of the most sensitive points in the entire discussion. Micro and small business owners follow this debate with great concern, and rightly so. They are responsible for a significant portion of jobs in the country and do not have the same structure as large corporations to absorb rapid changes. Therefore, I consider it essential that the law provides for a very well-structured transition rule, allowing these businesses to organize themselves in a gradual and sustainable manner”, he states.

6. Could this change in the law lead to an increase in cases in the Labor Court?

For Taciela Cordeiro Cylleno, the way the legislation is written will play a decisive role in preventing legal conflicts. “Any profound change in labor laws usually generates an initial period of doubt. To prevent this from becoming legal uncertainty, the final text of the law needs to be extremely clear and objective. Brazil already lives with extremely high levels of litigation. The way to mitigate this problem is to ensure that the new rule is in line with economic reality and, mainly, to value conventions and collective agreements, allowing each category to adjust the details to their reality”, he analyzes.

7. Ultimately, does the end of the 6×1 scale represent a real advance?

When analyzing the scenario more broadly, the judge sees potential in the change, but highlights that it will not solve all the challenges in the job market. “I see this discussion as an important step in line with a global movement, as several countries are reviewing their working hours. However, we need to be realistic: reducing working days, in isolation, will not solve the challenges of our market. For the result to be effective, the change needs to be accompanied by investments in professional qualifications, innovation, education and infrastructure. If the country advances in these pillars, the benefits will be highly positive for both those who work and those who employ”, he states.

For Taciela Cordeiro Cylleno, the greatest merit of this debate in Congress is to propose a mature and necessary reflection on the future of labor relations in Brazil. “We need to design an ecosystem where workers can be productive, but also have their right to rest, family life and the preservation of their health guaranteed. On the other hand, it is essential to ensure that companies continue to have the energy to grow, invest and create jobs. The big secret to the success of this proposal is, precisely, balancing these two scales responsibly”, he concludes.

By Ana Karoline Moreira