Industry association says proposed changes to 6×1 work schedule would raise costs, worsen labor shortages, increase freight, transit fares
The National Confederation of Transport (CNT) estimates that a proposal to amend the Constitution (PEC) to abolish Brazil’s six-days-on, one-day-off (6×1) work schedule would have a direct annual cost of nearly R$12 billion for the transportation sector, driven by higher operating expenses across all modes. In an interview with Valor, CNT President Vander Costa warned that the proposal would also worsen labor shortages at a time when the industry is already struggling to recruit workers, while encouraging informality.
The proposal could also affect urban public transportation beyond higher operating costs, with repercussions for services provided to commuters. According to Costa, companies in the sector are assessing the potential impacts of the change and evaluating possible responses. He called on the Senate to hold a broad debate before voting on the measure.
As an alternative, the CNT argues that working schedules should be determined through collective bargaining rather than a constitutional amendment. “We do not believe working hours should be locked into the Constitution,” Costa said. He added that consumers would ultimately bear the measure’s costs through higher public transit fares and freight charges.
At the same time, the CNT is monitoring other legislation moving through Congress, including the Freight Measure (MP do Frete), a provisional presidential decree that would tighten rules and penalties for failing to comply with Brazil’s minimum freight rate. The measure, which expires on Thursday (16), was approved by the Chamber of Deputies with amendments that the confederation considers difficult to implement, including the creation of a minimum wage for long-haul truck drivers.
Asked about the timeline for the Senate vote and the possibility of a truckers’ strike, Costa downplayed the risk. “Only those who are not in the industry fear a strike,” he said.
Below are key excerpts from the interview:
6×1 work schedule
“We estimate an annual impact of nearly R$12 billion, but what concerns us most is not the financial cost, because that will eventually be passed on through prices and generate inflation. The biggest concern is the labor shortage. Today, transportation employs 2.5 million workers, and several segments are already facing shortages. We are running simulations to determine what can be done, while continuing to work in the Senate to ensure the debate is conducted more transparently. We hope the final decision reflects what is best for society as a whole, not for a single group.”
Urban transportation
“The smallest impact would be higher costs. If operators need to hire more drivers or pay overtime, municipalities will face higher expenses, diverting resources from other priorities into public transportation. One alternative some operators are already evaluating is reducing the number of trips, especially on weekends. What would happen then? Workers on their days off would end up waiting longer for buses. Another option is increasing bus capacity with bi-articulated vehicles, but that is a long-term solution.”
CNT’s proposal
“We believe progress should come through collective bargaining, which has worked well in Brazil. The Constitution sets a maximum workweek of 44 hours, while the national average is 38 hours. That shows sectors that can offer more time off are already doing so. But we cannot impose the same rule on transportation, where some operations require seven-day coverage.”
Transition period
“If the change has to happen, we support a longer transition period. It is much easier for companies to absorb higher labor costs if working hours are reduced gradually—for example, one hour per year rather than two hours every two months. If businesses have time to adapt, alternatives can be developed to prevent consumers from bearing the cost through inflation.”
Freight Measure
“The Lower House introduced changes that are almost impossible to implement, such as a minimum wage for long-haul drivers. That provision has nothing to do with the original measure. Another concern involves driver registration. To reduce cargo theft, the industry has invested heavily in risk management, and these companies often refuse cargo assignments for several reasons, including financial delinquency, since indebted drivers are considered more vulnerable to criminal recruitment. The revised text says drivers can only be rejected if they have a final criminal conviction. We believe that could increase cargo theft.”
Risk of a strike
“It is very unlikely the industry will react that way. Only people outside the sector fear a strike. Even if isolated protests occur, as long as the police guarantee both the right to demonstrate and the public’s freedom of movement, there is no realistic prospect of a strike.”
Fuel subsidies
“With renewed attacks [in the Middle East], everything could change. It may be better to wait. Worse than expensive diesel is having no diesel at all. I see the government making a strong effort to minimize the impact on pump prices, but fiscal responsibility must also be preserved. To improve the situation in the long run, Brazil needs to expand its refining capacity so it is no longer dependent on imports.”
Interest rates
“Interest rates are high in Brazil because government spending remains elevated. Once we begin generating sustained fiscal surpluses, rates will come down. High interest rates may be even more damaging than high diesel prices. For our sector, they reduce investment in fleet renewal. Lowering the Selic rate is essential to reduce financing costs.”
Proposals for presidential candidates
“We intend to present proposals to encourage public transportation and expand investment in transport infrastructure. We are particularly concerned about improving intermodal transportation. We support more investment, but with fiscal responsibility.”
Extreme weather events
“We have invested in areas affected by climate-related disruptions, but it is still far from enough. Most companies remain focused on fleet renewal and on studying alternative fuels.”
El Niño
“Whenever there are heavy rains, there is a risk that Brazilian highways will suffer damage that disrupts transportation, requiring alternative routes. But our greatest concern today is the possibility of river transportation being interrupted because waterways become unnavigable.”
Organized crime
“When it comes to cargo theft, which has often been used as a way to launder money, we have invested heavily in preventive security. Once a crime occurs, however, it becomes a matter for law enforcement. Risk management is essential. Earlier this year, Congress approved a law allowing authorities to suspend the corporate taxpayer registration (CNPJ) of companies found in possession of stolen goods, and we want to see that measure effectively enforced. The goal is to make it clear that buying stolen cargo is not good business.”
*By Marlla Sabino — Brasília
Source: Valor International
https://valorinternational.globo.com/