Demonstrators across Brazil marked Workers’ Day, May 1st, with protests demanding an end to the 6×1 schedule (six consecutive workdays followed by one day of rest) without reduction of salary and advocating for a reduction in the standard 44-hour workweek.
The protests, organized by grassroots movements, political parties, and the Life Beyond Work Movement (VAT), took place alongside traditional union-led events in major Brazilian capitals.
A Proposed Constitutional Amendment (PEC) was introduced in the legislature to eliminate the 6×1 schedule and reduce the workweek to 36 hours.
The issue of the 6×1 workweek gained traction last year following a strong social media mobilization led primarily by VAT, generating a broad debate in society and the media. Around two months ago, a Proposed Constitutional Amendment (PEC) was submitted to the House of Representatives, aiming to eliminate the 6×1 schedule and reduce the standard workweek from 44 to 36 hours. The proposal authored by Federal Representative Érika Hilton of the Socialism and Freedom Party (PSOL) followed others that remain stalled in Congress.
“Reducing the workday has long been a historic demand of workers, and recently, with the push to end the 6×1 schedule, the issue has regained momentum. I believe we’ve gained strength, especially with strikes in supermarket chains and factories,” says Giulia Tadini, PSOL’s Chairwoman in the Federal District (Brasilia). “Now we need to keep mobilizing. This type of schedule is deeply inhumane.”
“The black population and women are the groups most harmed by the 6×1 schedule, which in practice often turns into 7×0, as they still have to shoulder the burden of housework,” Popular Unity (UP) said activist Sara Lins She is also a member of the Olga Benário Women’s Movement.
In his Workers’ Day address, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva called for a broad public debate on the proposal to end the 6×1 work schedule, including discussions on reducing working hours.
“It’s time for Brazil to take this step, listening to all sectors of society to promote a balance between professional life and the well-being of workers, both men and women,” the head of State said in a national TV broadcast.
In São Paulo’s ABC
São Bernardo’s Municipal Palace was the scene of a May Day demonstration by the region’s unions, most of them linked to the Central Workers’ Union (CUT). With the slogan “May 1st in the ABC: 100 years of struggles and achievements”.
As in other demonstrations in São Paulo, the workers’ main demands were an end to the 6×1 work schedule and exemption from income tax for those earning up to 5.000 reais a month.
At the event, Nelson Salazar, an advisor to the São Bernardo do Campo Vigilantes Union (SINDVIGSBC), spoke about the importance of unionization and reducing working hours.
“We have to unite and put an end to this savage capitalism that has embittered workers. We have to reduce the working day, because there’s enough profit for the bosses and enough illness for the workers. Those who don’t belong to the union don’t know that 100 years ago many workers died so that we could have 8-hour working days,” said the union leader.
The administrative and financial director of the ABC Metalworkers’ Union, Wellington Messias Damasceno, pointed out that that was an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the importance of labor struggles throughout history.
“It’s symbolic to resume May 1st in the ABC this year as we celebrate the centenary of this symbolic date for workers in Brazil. We will unite the unions of the ABC region to mark the date with the community of the region, with our agendas for struggle and shows that celebrate the culture and diversity of the working class.”
The president of the ABC Teachers’ Union (Sinpro-ABC), Edilene Arjones, highlighted the role of women in the world of work.
“We are coming off extremely difficult pay campaigns, but we are winning. Strengthen your unions in all categories. I ask you to give a round of applause to the working women, teachers and professors who move this country,” said Edilene.
Ministers
The ministers of the General Secretariat of the Presidency of the Republic, Márcio Macedo, and of Labor and Employment, Luiz Marinho, were at the ABC demonstration. They also took part earlier in the day in São Paulo’s Campos de Bagatelle Square,
Macedo mentioned the agendas of raising the minimum wage, with gains above inflation for the period, exemption from income tax up to 5.000 reais a month and equal pay for men and women.
“Today is a day of celebration, of commemorating the historic struggles and achievements of workers, especially those that came under the government of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. He came from the factory floor and is committed to the entire working class,” commented the minister.
Minister Luiz Marinho, who used to be mayor of São Bernardo, highlighted the importance of the working class’ demands and said that he had received the list from the unions this week.
“Some of the Lula government’s demands have already been met, such as raising the minimum wage,” he added.
Marinho also pointed out that the project to exempt those earning up to 5.000 reais from income tax is in the legislature. The minister said that it is possible to reduce working hours and end the 6×1 work schedule.
“It’s a very stressful day, especially for women who have a double job, working and looking after the house.”
Shows
Throughout the day, the audience enjoyed a series of shows, such as the social project Samba de Luz and Tiee, as well as Pixote, Fernando e Sorocaba and Mc Hariel, who performed at the end of the demonstration, which was closed by the singer Belo.
To take part, people donated two kilos of non-perishable food for the São Bernardo Solidarity Fund and other organizations in the region. It’s been nine years since the traditional workers’ day event in the ABC was held at the Paço Municipal.
ABr