Brazil’s Finance Minister, Dario Durigan, said that productivity gains achieved through the use of new technologies will make it possible to implement a reduction in the six-day workweek with one day off (6x1) without any cuts to workers’ wages.

On Wednesday (May 6), Durigan participated in the program “Bom Dia, Ministro,” produced by Empresa Brasil de Comunicação (EBC).

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During the interview, he said that structural changes in the world of work have led to advances in production.

“The world has moved forward. People are more productive, and there have been gains in digital technology and communication. We must recognize this and not pass the burden on to the public,” the minister argued, reaffirming the government’s commitment to defending workers’ interests and ensuring that the reduction in working hours is not accompanied by wage cuts.

“We will make sure to include protection against wage cuts in any measure approved by Congress. There will be no wage cuts,” said the minister.

He noted that three in every ten Brazilian workers work a six-day week and that most earn up to two minimum wages.

“We’re talking about 80 percent of workers who earn up to two minimum wages. These are the lowest-income workers. Those with higher incomes are already working more reasonable schedules. The idea is to recognize productivity gains and help us transition from a situation in which workers have one day off to one in which they have two days off,” he argued.