Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced Wednesday his commitment to eliminating the work schedule known as 6×1, which mandates six consecutive days of work followed by one day of rest.
The president stated that advancing this reform is urgent to “confront the privileges of a few” and guarantee basic rights for the majority of the population, including rest and family life.
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In a nationally televised address, Lula asserted that it is unfair for workers to have to work intense hours for almost the entire week and have only one day to recover, spend time with their families, attend to domestic responsibilities, or be present for their children’s development.
In this context, he emphasized that ending the 6×1 schedule without affecting wages is a popular demand that the State has an obligation to listen to and transform into concrete policies.
O Brasil voltou a ser respeitado e admirado pelo mundo. Nove milhões de turistas estrangeiros nos visitaram este ano, um recorde histórico. E recebemos no coração da Amazônia, em Belém do Pará, o maior evento climático do mundo. A COP30 foi um sucesso e consolidou o Brasil como…
— Lula (@LulaOficial) December 24, 2025
During his speech, the head of state also reviewed the international agenda and highlighted that, through diplomatic channels, Brazil managed to reverse the tariff increases implemented by US President Donald Trump and open nearly 500 new markets for Brazilian exports.
Lula also called on men to take an active role in eradicating violence against women and emphasized the progress made in 2025 in the fight against organized crime.
In this regard, he noted that the Federal Police led the largest operation in its history against criminal organizations and asserted that no economic power or political influence would hinder this action.
Another milestone highlighted by the president was the elimination of income tax for those earning up to 5,000 reais per month. Starting in January, millions of workers will no longer have this salary deduction, which—he explained—will increase family income, alleviate economic pressure, and stimulate the country’s growth.
Seguiremos combatendo privilégios de poucos para garantir direitos de muitos. E nenhum direito é tão urgente, hoje, quanto o direito ao tempo. Não é justo que uma pessoa seja obrigada a trabalhar duro durante seis dias e que tenha apenas um dia para descansar o corpo e a cabeça,…
— Lula (@LulaOficial) December 24, 2025
The president also listed the relaunch of housing programs such as Minha Casa Minha Vida (My House, My Life), now expanded to include middle-class sectors, and Reforma Casa Brasil (Brazil House Reform). He added that the São Francisco River Transposition, considered the world’s largest water infrastructure project, will bring water to millions of families in northeastern Brazil.
Lula emphasized that the country is experiencing strong growth in public works, with projects underway in every state thanks to the New Growth Acceleration Program (PAC), which is boosting employment and development in thousands of municipalities.
He stated that these advances are reflected in historic economic indicators: Brazil will end the year with the lowest unemployment rate ever recorded, record levels of formal employment, the highest average wage in its history, and the lowest accumulated inflation over the past four years.
From teleSUR English via This RSS Feed.