Entities criticize PEC for the 4×3 journey and warn of impacts

The proposed Amendment to the Constitution (PEC) to reduce the working day from 6×1 to a 4×3 system, where workers would have four days of work and three days of rest, has generated criticism from business entities in Brazil. They assess that implementing a 4×3 journey without broad discussion and collective negotiation could result in a scenario of unemployment, increased costs and reduced competitiveness. These issues can directly affect small and medium-sized companies and, possibly, the very workers the measure aims to protect.

For congresswoman Erika Hilton (PSOL-SP), author of the PEC, the model would better meet the new demands for quality of life and well-being of workers. However, the National Confederation of Industry (CNI), the National Confederation of Commerce of Goods, Services and Tourism (CNC) and the Brazilian Association of Bars and Restaurants (Abrasel) expressed concern about the economic and structural impacts of this change and pointed out potential risks to the labor market and the sustainability of various sectors. The National Confederation of Industry (CNI) argues that the proposal for a mandatory reduction in weekly working hours without collective negotiation weakens the dialogue between employers and employees and ignores the different economic and regions of Brazil.

Alexandre Furlan, president of the entity’s Labor Relations Council, highlighted that job creation depends on economic growth, and not on an imposed reduction in working hours.

He highlighted that Brazil has already registered a gradual decrease in the average weekly working hours, going from 40.5 hours in 2012 to 39.2 hours in the second quarter of 2024, according to IBGE data. For Furlan, this drop is the result of adjustments negotiated over time and that respect the specificities of each sector and region, without the need for legal imposition. “The best way to establish working hours is negotiation, as is done in much of the world”, he stated. Furthermore, the CNI warned that an abrupt and compulsory reduction in working hours could have negative effects on the competitiveness of companies, especially for micro and small companies that have fewer resources to adapt to structural changes of this size.

“A possible imposition by law of a limit of less than 44 hours for weekly work not only weakens the process of dialogue between employers and employees, but also disregards the varied realities in which sectors of the economy operate”, highlighted Furlan.

According to the confederation, the additional financial burden could be unsustainable for many companies, harming the creation of new jobs and increasing unemployment.

CNC says that PEC causes significant operational costs

In addition, the National Confederation of Commerce in Goods, Services and Tourism (CNC) also spoke out against the PEC and highlighted the specific challenges that the change would bring to the commerce and services sector.

In a note, the CNC expressed support for workers’ well-being, but warned that a mandatory reduction in working hours, without salary compensation, would imply a significant increase in operating costs for companies, already pressured by various tax and labor obligations.

The confederation highlighted that this additional economic pressure could force companies to reduce their workforce, reduce salaries for new hires or even close establishments on specific days, directly affecting customer service and the sector’s competitiveness.

“We believe that reducing working hours should be discussed within the scope of collective negotiations, respecting the specificities and limitations of each economic sector and avoiding the imposition of a single rule,” stated the CNC.

Abrasel says it is a “stupid idea”

For the Brazilian Association of Bars and Restaurants (Abrasel), represented by its executive president, Paulo Solmucci Júnior, the proposal is seen as a “stupid idea”.

Solmucci emphasized that the demand for bars and restaurants open seven days a week comes from the customers themselves and that limiting operations to meet the new 4×3 journey could compromise the sector. He also highlighted that the sector faces difficulties in retaining workers, and a structural change like this could further worsen the situation.

“Everyone wants a bar and restaurant available all week, and they want it at a low cost. Then you see people wanting to make it unfeasible for the consumer,” he declared.

Solmucci also mentioned the mobilization of a parliamentary front, made up of approximately 300 parliamentarians, which, according to him, must act to prevent the proposal from moving forward.