Amendment of Holiday: See the forecast for 2024! Know the rules.

Holidays are anticipated moments for many Brazilian workers, providing the opportunity to rest, spend time with family or plan special activities.

However, in some cases, these well-deserved breaks can be even longer thanks to the practice known as “holiday amendmentthe".

In this informative guide, we will explain what a holiday amendment is, how it works, which holidays are eligible for this benefit, and answer the main questions workers may have about the subject.

What is the holiday amendment?

Holiday extensions are a practice adopted by some companies to extend their employees' rest periods. This occurs when a holiday falls on a day close to the weekend or the employee's paid rest day.

In these cases, the company may choose to grant an extra day off on the business day before or after the holiday, thus creating an extended recess. This initiative aims to give employees the opportunity to make the most of the holidays, allowingallowing them to enjoy quality time with friends and family.

In what cases can a holiday be extended? How does it work?

The practice of extending holidays can vary from company to company, and the decision to offer this benefit often depends on internal human resources policy. However, some common situations in which holiday extensions may occur include:

• Holidays Near the Weekend: When a holiday falls on a Friday or Monday, it is common for companies to give an extra day off on the previous Thursday or the following Tuesday, respectively.
• Holidays combined with Paid Rest Day: If a holiday coincides with a worker's weekly paid day off (usually Saturday or Sunday), the company may choose to offer an additional day off on a nearby business day to compensate.
• Planned Extended Holidays: Some companies may plan ahead for long holidays, combining holidays with workdays to allow employees to enjoy a longer period of time off.

To better understand the specific rules and conditions governing holiday extensions, it is important to consult your company's internal policy and, if necessary, seek guidance from the human resources department.

Holidays that can be extended in 2024

In 2024, Brazil's holiday calendar offers some opportunities for holiday extensions. Below, we list the Brazilian holidays that may be subject to extensions this year:

• January 1st (Universal Brotherhood): Since New Year has already passed, there is no possible amendment for this holiday in 2024.
• Carnival (February 27, Monday): An excellent opportunity for companies to plan a holiday extension.
• Good Friday (April 12, Friday): Possibility of amendment on the previous Thursday.
• Tiradentes Day (April 21, Saturday): Since the holiday falls on a Saturday, some companies may choose to extend it to the previous Friday.
• Labor Day (May 1, Tuesday): Ideal for the amendment on Monday, April 30th.
• Corpus Christi (June 20, Thursday): It can be extended to Friday, June 21st, providing an extended holiday.
• Independence of Brazil (September 7, Saturday): Since the holiday falls on a Saturday, the amendment can take place on Friday, September 6th.
• Our Lady of Aparecida Day (October 12): It is not possible to extend this holiday in 2024, as it falls on a Friday.
• All Souls' Day (November 2): It is not possible to extend this holiday in 2024, as it falls on a Saturday.
• Proclamation of the Republic (November 15): It is not possible to extend this holiday in 2024, as it falls on a Friday.
• Christmas (December 25th): The Christmas holiday cannot be extended, as it falls on December 25th.

To make your consultation easier, we present below a table with the holidays that can be extended in 2024:

What Does the Law Say About Amending Holidays?

Brazilian labor law, according to the CLT (Consolidation of Labor Laws), does not specifically address the extension of holidays. Therefore, the practice is primarily regulated by internal company policies. It's important to review your company's rules and guidelines and, if in doubt, seek guidance from the human resources department.

Who Can Extend a Holiday? What Are the Rules?

Companies have the autonomy to decide whether or not to extend holidays. Generally, the rules for extending holidays are established by the company itself in its internal regulations, taking into account production needs and employee interests. Therefore, the conditions for extending holidays may vary from one organization to another.

It's essential to check your company's internal policy to understand who can extend a holiday, under what conditions, and how the time off will be granted. In some cases, the company may require employees to make up their workload on days before or after the extended holiday. Rules may vary, and it's crucial that employees are aware of the terms and conditions established by the company.

Can the Holiday Amendment Be Deducted from the Paycheck?

Extended holidays generally shouldn't be deducted from employees' salaries, as they provide additional time off without losing pay. However, policies may vary, and it's important to check your company's guidelines. Companies generally prefer to keep their employees motivated by offering benefits like extended holidays to promote a healthy and productive work environment.

Is it Worth Extending a Holiday? What Are the Benefits?

Extending holidays can be beneficial for workers, as it offers the opportunity to enjoy extended rest periods, strengthening work-life balance. Furthermore, it provides additional time to relax, plan leisure activities, or spend more time with family.

However, it's important to be aware of the company's internal policies and the rules established for extending holidays. Assessing whether the practice is beneficial depends on each employee's individual circumstances and the organization's policies.

Please remember that the information provided in this guide is only a general guideline, and specific rules may vary depending on the company and the employment contract. It's always a good idea to check your company's internal policy and seek guidance from the human resources department if you have any questions.

For more details on the situations in which a worker can extend a holiday and how to pay for the time off, check out this official article from CUT (Central Única dos Trabalhadores): Find out in which situations a worker can extend a holiday and how to pay for the time off.

Now that you have a clearer understanding of holiday extensions and their implications, make the most of these moments of rest and leisure that the calendar offers.

We hope this guide has answered your questions about extending holidays and that you can enjoy extended periods of time off with peace of mind and make the most of your free time.