Business leaders and union representatives met with lawmakers in Brasília on April 12, 2026, to discuss a proposed constitutional amendment ending the 6x1 work schedule [1].
The meeting marks a critical effort by the private sector to modify labor laws before a vote occurs. Because the approval of the amendment appears likely, business interests are shifting their strategy from total opposition to negotiating specific terms of the transition.
The delegation, led by FecomercioSP, met with officials including House President Hugo Motta [1]. The primary goal of the gathering was to debate the text of the Proposed Amendment to the Constitution (PEC) and secure a minimum of six amendments to the current proposal [1].
These business representatives aim to insert protections or flexibility into the law to mitigate the economic impact of removing the 6x1 shift, a system where employees work six days and have one day off.
While the primary focus of the April 12 meeting was the negotiation of these six amendments [1], other reports indicate that some business sectors are also attempting to delay the overall vote on the PEC [2]. This suggests a multi-pronged approach to slow the implementation of the new labor standards.
Additional high-level discussions continued throughout the month. House President Hugo Motta met with Minister José Guimarães on April 17 to further discuss the proposals [3]. The coordination between the legislative branch and business unions highlights the significant tension regarding how Brazil will transition its workforce to shorter schedules without destabilizing the service sector.
“Business leaders are shifting their strategy from total opposition to negotiating specific terms.”
The mobilization of FecomercioSP and other unions indicates that the Brazilian business community views the end of the 6x1 schedule as an inevitability rather than a possibility. By focusing on specific amendments, the private sector is attempting to create legal safeguards or phased implementation periods to avoid sudden operational costs and staffing shortages in the commerce and service industries.
