House Speaker Hugo Motta (Republicanos-PB) is advancing a constitutional amendment to end the 6x1 work schedule in Brazil [1].

The move seeks to fundamentally alter the labor landscape for millions of workers who currently operate under a system of six days of work followed by one day of rest [3]. By reducing the mandatory workweek, the proposal aims to improve labor conditions and mitigate the physical and mental impact of the current shift model [2].

On April 22, 2026, the Constitution and Justice Committee approved the admissibility of the proposal [4]. The legislative push focuses on reducing the workweek to as little as 36 hours per week [4]. Motta said the transition "will deliver a great advance" for the workforce [5].

To facilitate the transition, Motta said he is prioritizing the amendment and opening a path for a 40-hour model and a 5x2 schedule as alternatives for reducing work hours [6]. The 5x2 model would allow workers five days of labor and two days of rest, contrasting with the 6x1 system that has drawn criticism for limiting worker recovery time [3].

While the Speaker focuses on the structural shift of the schedule, other aspects of the proposal remain under debate. A rapporteur for the amendment said that the end of the 6x1 scale and the maintenance of current salaries are non-negotiable [7]. However, other reports indicate that Motta has focused primarily on the reduction of the journey without explicitly addressing salary guarantees in recent public statements [2, 8].

The legislative process now moves toward finalizing an intermediary text that balances the needs of employees, and the operational requirements of businesses [2].

“The proposal aims to end the 6x1 work schedule in Brazil.”

The shift toward a 5x2 or 36-hour workweek represents a significant pivot in Brazilian labor policy, moving away from rigid industrial-era schedules toward a model that prioritizes worker well-being. If passed, the amendment would force a nationwide restructuring of staffing and payroll, particularly in the service and retail sectors where the 6x1 scale is most prevalent.