Senate Rapporteur Maintains Text of 6x1 Work Scale Proposal to Expedite Approval

Senator Omar Aziz (PSD-AM), the rapporteur for the proposal to end the 6x1 work scale, has ruled out making changes to the text previously approved by the Chamber of Deputies. Aziz intends to deliver his report this Thursday, with the goal of avoiding a scenario where the proposal must return to the Chamber for further analysis. This strategy is designed to facilitate the promulgation of the measure before the upcoming elections.

The proposal is expected to be voted on in the Constitution and Justice Committee (CCJ) next Wednesday. To prevent delays, government allies suggest that any requests for more time by the opposition could be handled with short pauses before resuming the vote. If it passes the CCJ, the proposal will move to the Senate floor, where it requires 49 votes for approval.

President Lula has sought to advance the measure, which is viewed as highly popular. According to a March Datafolha poll cited by Folha de S.Paulo, 71 percent of Brazilians support the reduction of the work scale. While government allies believe the vote will force opponents to publicly distance themselves from a popular measure, opposition members like Senator Rogério Marinho (PL-RN) argue against a vote at this time and suggest alternative negotiations between employers and employees.

The proposal had been stalled in the Senate for several months. It was released to the CCJ last week following a rapprochement between President Lula and Senate President Davi Alcolumbre. While the Planalto palace is pushing for a record speed approval, some allies of Alcolumbre indicate that a vote before the election may not happen. Lula is scheduled to meet with Alcolumbre and Chamber President Hugo Motta on Wednesday to discuss the matter.