Brazilian business associations and industry sectors warned that ending the 6x1 work schedule could cause operational difficulties and increase labor costs.

The move represents a fundamental shift in the national labor market. By mandating shorter weeks without reducing pay, the government aims to improve worker quality of life, but employers argue the change threatens the economic viability of labor-intensive industries.

The Chamber of Deputies approved the proposed constitutional amendment (PEC) on May 27, 2026 [1]. The measure has now moved to the Senate for further deliberation. The amendment mandates a shift from a 44-hour weekly workweek to a 40-hour week [2]. It also requires that employees receive two consecutive days off per week [3].

Crucially, the PEC prohibits any reduction in salary despite the decrease in hours [4]. This combination of lower hours and maintained pay is the primary driver of the concerns voiced by the Federation of Industries of Rio de Janeiro (Firjan), the National Aeronauts Union (SNA), and various business associations.

"A redução da jornada sem ganho de produtividade tornará os produtos brasileiros menos competitivos," Leonardo Puppi said [5].

The tourism and hospitality sectors are particularly concerned about the immediate logistical impact. A representative of the Brazilian tourism industry said the sector is already evaluating operational impacts, such as the need to readjust work schedules in hotels and agencies [6].

Industry leaders argue that the amendment removes the flexibility needed to manage 24-hour operations. A spokesperson for Firjan said the PEC brings rigidity to the constitutional text that could compromise the operational flexibility of companies [7].

While labor unions have celebrated the advancement of the PEC, the business community continues to lobby senators to reconsider the terms of the transition to avoid a loss in national competitiveness.

“The amendment mandates a shift from a 44-hour to a 40-hour weekly workweek.”

The transition from a 6x1 to a 5x2 or similar model in Brazil creates a tension between social welfare and economic competitiveness. For sectors like hospitality and aviation, which rely on continuous coverage, the mandate for two consecutive days off without a salary reduction effectively increases the hourly cost of labor. This may force companies to either hire more staff to fill gaps or automate services, potentially leading to higher consumer prices.