João Pessoa urban cleaners gain reduced workweek in Brazil labour deal

Municipal urban cleaning agents in João Pessoa continued intensive service on Saturday, collecting household waste, sweeping streets and clearing public spaces despite the day being a holiday. Superintendent Ricardo Veloso praised the workers for keeping the city clean and urged residents to dispose of waste properly.

A separate collective bargaining agreement, mediated by Brazil’s Ministry of Labour and Employment, reduced the weekly work schedule for about 1,300 João Pessoa cleaners from 44 to 42 hours and changed the shift pattern from a 6‑day‑on/1‑day‑off rotation to a 5‑day‑on/2‑day‑off schedule. The new regime will be phased in from August, completing by December, and is being discussed for extension to other municipalities in Paraíba such as Campina Grande, Santa Rita and Cabedelo.