President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has submitted a bill to the Brazilian Congress to end the 6x1 work schedule [1].
This proposal targets a common labor model where employees work six consecutive days before receiving one day off. Eliminating this schedule aims to reduce worker fatigue and improve general labor conditions across the country [4, 5].
The administration sent the proposed constitutional amendment (PEC) to Congress on April 14, 2026 [1]. The move is seen as a strategic political win for both the Lula government and the legislative branch [4].
Chamber President Hugo Motta has taken a central role in the process. Motta created a special commission on April 24, 2026, to debate and vote on the measure, reports said [2]. This commission held a meeting on May 5, 2026, to define the route of the discussion and schedule hearings with government ministers [3].
Legislative progress remains subject to timing and political will. While some reports suggest the Senate is not expected to block the advancement of the proposal [5], other analyses indicate the bill could stall in the Senate if it is not voted on within a specific timeframe [5].
The debate centers on balancing worker welfare with the economic impact on businesses that rely on the 6x1 model. The special commission is tasked with navigating these tensions to determine how the transition will be implemented without destabilizing the labor market [2, 3].
“The move is seen as a strategic political win for both the Lula government and the legislative branch.”
The effort to dismantle the 6x1 schedule represents a significant shift in Brazilian labor law, moving toward a shorter work week to prioritize mental health and productivity. If passed, it would force a nationwide restructuring of shifts, particularly in the service and retail sectors, while cementing a political alliance between the executive branch and the Chamber of Deputies.
