Brazilian workers demand senate end 'six days on, one day off' workweek

Workers, trade unions and peoples’ movements marched in São Paulo on Sunday to demand Brazilian lawmakers in the Senate approve a proposed constitutional amendment (PEC) to reduce the work week from 44 to 40 hours with two days’ paid rest, without a pay cut.

The lower Chamber of Deputies approved PEC 221/2019, which ends the country’s six-days-on-one-day-off shift pattern, in May and subsequently sent it to the Senate.

The reform, which supporters say will improve workers’ living conditions and increase their available time for rest, leisure, and family life, is backed by Lula da Silva’s government. It is strongly opposed by far-right challenger Flavio Bolsonaro, son of imprisoned coup orchestrator Jair, who announced his candidacy for Brazil’s presidency earlier this year. Demonstrators on Sunday urged the Senate to pass the PEC before the elections in October.