Types of Work Scale and What Brazilian Legislation Sayspiva

In Brazil, labor laws - the Federal Constitution and the CLT (Consolidation of Labor Laws) - organize work schedules to ensure that workers have limits on working hours and adequate rest times. Schedules are a way of planning working days and days off, especially to meet the demands of sectors that need to work continuously, such as hospitals, security and industry.

Want to understand more about how this works? Below, we've clarified the main types of schedules allowed by law and essential concepts such as working hours x work schedule and paid weekly rest. Let's take a look!

Workday x Work Schedule

Working day: The total number of hours per day or week that a worker is at the company's disposal. Currently, the standard working day provided for by law is up to 8 hours a day, resulting in a 44-hour week, according to the CLT; but it can vary in specific cases.
Work schedule: This is the specific organization of the distribution of workers' work and rest days and times. For sectors that require continuous work, schedules must be adjusted to respect the limits of working hours and rest.

Main types of work schedule

5x2 roster

This is the most common scale, with a 40-hour working week, 5 days of work and 2 days of rest.

6x1 Scale

Common in commerce and essential services such as health, this is a type of scale in which the worker works 6 days in a row and rests 1 day.

12x36 scale

In the 12x36 scale, the worker works 12 hours in a row and rests for the next 36 hours.

Regulated by the 2017 Labor Reform, this scale allows flexibility and reduces the number of days worked per week.
It does not require overtime pay (as long as it is formalized in a collective or individual agreement).
Generally used in activities that require long shifts, such as security and hospitals.
Example: A nurse who works from 7am to 7pm on Monday and only returns on Wednesday.

24x48 shift

In the 24x48 schedule, the employee works for 24 consecutive hours and rests for the next 48 hours.

Often used in services such as firefighting and concierge, where coverage is essential and uninterrupted.
It allows for an extended rest after the shift, but requires physical and mental preparation for the prolonged working time.
Example: A security guard who starts his shift on Monday at 8am and finishes on Tuesday at 8am, returning to work only on Thursday.

Alternating shifts

Alternating shifts alternate the start and end times of workers' shifts, preventing the same group from always working at the same time, especially on the night shift.

They are common in industries and production sectors (such as construction sites), with retroactive shifts to ensure continuous production. Scales such as 4x2 or 6x2, with varying rest days.
Example: A machine operator who works from 6am to 2pm one week and from 2pm to 10pm the next, alternating periodically.

Uninterrupted Relay Shift Scale

Shifts that alternate between morning, afternoon and night to cover the 24 hours of the day. The working day is limited to 6 hours a day, unless a collective agreement allows for 8 hours.

Remunerated weekly rest (RSR)

Regardless of the work schedule, employees with a formal contract must have at least 24 consecutive hours of weekly rest, preferably on Sundays, but it can be on other days of the week in areas that operate around the clock.

This weekly rest must be paid and, in non-stop shifts, usually takes place with staggered days off.
It is mandatory that rest takes place at regular intervals to avoid work overload and guarantee the well-being of employees.

Importance and Care in Defining Schedules

Each type of schedule meets specific needs and must be formalized in an employment contract or collective bargaining agreement, as some schedules require compensation, such as the payment of night or hazardous duty bonuses. The organization of shifts, especially in sectors that operate 24/7, is fundamental to meeting operational demands without compromising workers' health.

These configurations ensure that essential activities continue to operate, while at the same time respecting workers' rights, such as paid weekly rest and working hours limits.

PEC on the 6x1 Scale

Recently, a Constitutional Amendment Bill (PEC) was presented by Congresswoman Erika Hilton (PSOL-SP), proposing an end to the 6x1 work schedule. The idea is to amend Article 7 of the Constitution to make this scale more flexible.

The proposal is under discussion in Congress and, if approved, could have major impacts on sectors that use this scale.