The debate about ending the 6x1 schedule reached the Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro (Alerj) this Thursday (28) accompanied by personal accounts from parliamentarians who said they had experienced in practice the routine of work schedules considered exhausting.
One day after the Chamber of Deputies approved the proposal that alters the work model, congresswomen Tia Ju (Republicanos) and Renata Souza (Psol) used the podium to recall professional experiences prior to their political careers and advocated for changes in the working conditions of Brazilians.
During the session, the two parliamentarians linked the discussion not only to working hours, but also to the impacts of the routine on health, family life, and quality of life.
Accounts of the exhausting routine
Renata stated that she worked under the 6x1 schedule and recounted the difficulties she faced during that period. According to her, the routine compromised basic daily activities.
“This schedule enslaves our population. Out of six days worked, only one day off. That one day isn't enough to guarantee a trip to the hospital, it isn't enough to guarantee childcare, whether at school or in terms of professional training, it isn't enough to guarantee a life beyond work,” he declared.
The parliamentarian also highlighted the impacts of the work schedule for women who juggle different responsibilities inside and outside the professional environment. "For us women, who work double, triple shifts, this is undoubtedly a guarantee of dignity," she stated.
She also recounted her own experience before entering politics. "I used to wake up at 5 a.m. to open a gym. I would work 8, 9 hours straight in a day and still had to work on Saturdays," she said.
Experience in commerce
The session's chairwoman, Representative Tia Ju, also referenced her own professional trajectory when commenting on the proposal's approval. She recounted having worked in supermarkets and snack bars for part of her life. "I worked in supermarkets and snack bars for most of my life. I only had one day off, Sunday," she reported.
According to the congresswoman, in addition to the regular work schedule, there were also extra demands related to the operation of the establishment. "At the supermarket, we would even lose a Sunday a month to take inventory. So it was extremely exhausting," she stated.
Aunt Ju said that part of her free time ended up being consumed by commuting and studying. "I lost part of my life behind a counter, behind a cash register, working, and I know how hard it is, not to mention the hours lost on buses, studying for exams and competitions while on public transport," she stated.
Criticisms of the timing of the debate
Despite supporting the proposal's approval, Tia Ju stated that she considers the advancement of the debate on the 6x1 work schedule in the National Congress to be belated. "My only criticism is that this debate took so long to happen," she said.
According to the congresswoman, issues related to working conditions should be discussed continuously and not just during election periods. "The issues of the population cannot be addressed only in election years as electoral matters. We need to look with compassion at the workers," she stated.
The approval by the Chamber of Deputies to end the 6x1 work schedule will still be submitted to the Federal Senate.
Leave a comment