Brazil's Chamber of Deputies approved a constitutional amendment on May 8, 2026 [1], to eliminate the 6x1 work schedule.
The measure targets the hospitality and service sectors, where the 6x1 shift is common. Industry leaders argue that a sudden transition could destabilize small businesses by forcing a rapid increase in payroll and staffing needs to maintain operational hours.
Paulo Solmucci, president of the Brazilian Association of Bars and Restaurants (Abrasel), said the proposal is advancing in a rushed manner due to electoral interests. The association maintains a nuanced position on labor reform, supporting a general reduction in working hours, but opposing the specific ban on the 6x1 scale.
Under the approved amendment, the standard weekly work journey would be reduced from 44 to 40 hours [1]. Proponents of the change argue that the reduction will increase worker productivity and improve the quality of life for employees.
However, Abrasel warns that the shift could create significant financial and operational burdens for the food and beverage sector. The association said that ending the 6x1 scale could lead to higher payroll costs as businesses would need to hire more staff to cover the gaps left by the removed shifts.
There is a divide regarding the broader economic impact of the legislation. Some reports suggest the change will not affect the overall economy, while industry-specific data from the hospitality sector indicates a risk of increased overhead costs.
The legislative process has been described by critics as hasty, with Solmucci saying the move is driven by political timing rather than a comprehensive economic study of the service industry's needs.
“The proposal is advancing in a rushed manner due to electoral interests.”
The conflict highlights a tension between labor rights and the operational realities of the service economy. While reducing work hours is intended to boost worker welfare, the hospitality sector relies on high-frequency staffing. If businesses cannot absorb the cost of additional hires to replace the 6x1 shift, the result may be higher consumer prices or reduced operating hours for restaurants and bars.
