Finance Minister Dario Durigan stated he is "radically against" any financial compensation to companies should Congress advance the Constitutional Amendment Proposal (PEC) ending the 6x1 work schedule. During a public hearing at the Chamber's special committee this Tuesday (12th), Durigan argued that "ownership of work hours belongs to the worker, not the employer." ✓
Press quotes (2)
"O ministro da Fazenda, Dario Durigan, afirmou ser "radicalmente contra" compensar empresas caso alguma das proposições que tratam do fim da escala 6×1 avancem no Congresso."
"Tem um conceito também, que é um conceito que a gente sempre fez, sempre debateu, que é a titularidade da hora de trabalho. A titularidade do trabalho não é do empregador"
According to the minister, the conceptual issue supersedes fiscal considerations. "There was never compensation for the end of slavery, for the 1988 reduction," he said, referring to the change from 48 to 44 weekly hours established in the Constitution. Durigan compared the Brazilian debate to international experience: "other countries do it, do it better than us and did it many years ago, and there was no compensation for those who don't own the work hours." ✓
Press quotes (2)
"Nunca houve indenização com o fim da escravidão, com a redução de 1988"
"Outros países fazem, fazem melhor que a gente, já fizeram há muitos anos antes da gente, e não houve indenização para quem não é o titular dessa hora de trabalho"
Despite resistance to direct compensation, Durigan signaled willingness for small business support policies. "I think the State needs to have credit lines, the State needs to help with digital transformation, ecological transformation, providing efficiency gains," he declared. The minister argued that reducing work hours would force productivity gains, comparing the effect to minimum wage valorization policy. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"Acho que o Estado precisa ter linha de crédito, o Estado precisa ajudar na transformação digital, na transformação ecológica, dando ganho de eficiência, ganho de sustentabilidade, para que a gente caminhe, enquanto país, para um outro patamar"
Two PECs on the topic currently proceed in the Chamber: one by deputy Reginaldo Lopes (PT-MG) proposing reduction to 36 weekly hours over ten years, and another by deputy Erika Hilton (PSOL-SP) instituting a 4x3 schedule. The special committee should vote on the report on May 26th, according to rapporteur Leo Prates' (Republicanos-BA) timeline. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"Atualmente, tramitam simultaneamente na Câmara duas PECs que tratam da redução da jornada semanal das atuais 44 horas para 36 horas, protocoladas pelos deputados Reginaldo Lopes (PT-MG) e Erika Hilton (PSOL-SP). A proposta de Hilton, porém, institui a escala 4×3 (quatro dias de trabalho e três de descanso)."
"A previsão do deputado Leo Prates (Republicanos-BA), relator da comissão, já afirmou que pretende divulgar seu parecer sobre a proposta em 20 de maio, já a comissão votaria em 26 de maio."
Durigan compared the compensation issue to the end of slavery and the 1988 work hour reduction, arguing that historical changes to labor rights did not generate compensation
The hearing included other experts besides Durigan: representatives from Ipea, Fecomércio-SP and a Unicamp professor
Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.
Covered by only some sources (2)
Felipe Pateo (Ipea) concluded that the economy has capacity to absorb transition costs, while Fabio Pina (Fecomércio) stated Brazilian companies won't be able to afford the cost
Durigan specifically mentioned a 'Desenrola for small businesses' as the type of support the ministry considers appropriate
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What are the concrete fiscal impact numbers for the PECs under consideration?
Why it's still unknown: Sources mention general business cost estimates for work hour reduction (CNI: R$ 267.2 billion for 40h; CNC: R$ 122.4 billion in retail), but there are no specific calculations for the 36-hour or 4x3 schedule PECs under consideration
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What is the Lula government's official position on the specific PECs under consideration?
Why it's still unknown: Durigan expressed conceptual opposition to compensation, but sources indicate that 'none of the texts are linked to what was sent by the Planalto', without clarifying whether the government supports, rejects, or proposes modifications to the Lopes and Hilton PECs
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How would the collective bargaining mentioned by Durigan fit within constitutional PECs?
Why it's still unknown: The minister defended 'space for collective negotiation between employers and workers', but did not clarify how this would work within constitutional changes that would establish rigid limits