The publication of a Brazilian government decree regulating the end of the 6-on, 1-off work schedule, originally scheduled for November 9, has been postponed. The text still requires approval from President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and is expected to be published after his return from a series of trips across Asia.
According to government sources, the ministries involved have completed the draft, which was prepared primarily by the Office of the Chief of Staff and the Ministry of Labor and Employment. The proposal will allow sectors to negotiate the organization of work schedules through collective agreements, within the limits of the proposed constitutional amendment approved by Congress. The regulations are not expected to list excluded categories of workers; one possibility under discussion is redistributing rest days throughout the month.
Labor and Employment Minister Luiz Marinho mentioned the need for adjustments to the 12-on, 36-off schedule, with 12 hours of work followed by 36 hours of rest. If the workweek exceeds the 40-hour limit set out in the new rule, the excess may be compensated with time off or pay, in accordance with the regulations.
