Campaign Launched to End 6x1 Work Schedule for Rural Workers in Brazil

Oxfam Brasil and the National Confederation of Rural Salaried Workers (Contar) have initiated a significant campaign, 'Quem planta merece colher direitos' (He who plants deserves to harvest rights), aiming to abolish the demanding 6x1 work schedule for rural laborers across Brazil. This initiative, reported by Folha de S.Paulo, brings critical attention to the often-overlooked struggles of agricultural workers. The campaign highlights that a substantial portion of rural workers endure hours exceeding the standard 40-hour week, frequently without adequate weekly rest, particularly during peak planting and harvesting seasons. The Brazilian perspective often grapples with the stark inequalities present in its agricultural sector, where the immense contribution of rural workers to the nation's food security and economy is frequently met with precarious working conditions. Oxfam's research revealing that 45% of rural salaried workers exceed 40 hours weekly, coupled with the inherent hardships of fieldwork—such as prolonged sun exposure, pesticide contact, and long commutes—underscores the urgency of this cause. The campaign seeks to give visibility to these workers, advocating for their right to quality of life, rest, and social protection, elements that are often absent in the rural context due to high informality. This push for better labor rights in the agricultural sector is a crucial conversation in Brazil, aiming to ensure that those who feed the nation are not left behind in terms of basic human dignity and fair treatment.

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Those who guarantee the Brazilian population access to the wealth produced in the countryside cannot remain invisible in the debate on labor rights. The campaign seeks to give voice and face to these workers, showing that quality of life, rest, and social protection also need to reach the countryside.