A special commission of the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies approved a draft amendment on May 27, 2026, to eliminate the 6x1 work schedule [1].
The move signals a shift in Brazilian labor law, aiming to improve worker conditions by shortening the standard workweek and ending a rotation system. This change would impact millions of workers across the service and retail sectors who currently work six days for every one day of rest.
Deputy Leo Prates authored the report that led to the commission's decision [1]. The approved text-base proposes reducing the maximum weekly work hours from 44 to 40 [1]. To allow businesses to adapt to the new requirements, the proposal includes a transition period of 14 months [1].
The commission passed the measure with 34 votes in favor and four against [1]. The reform seeks to align national labor conditions with modern standards, and proposed social reforms [2].
Legislators in Brasília are now moving the draft toward a full plenary vote. Government supporters expect a wide majority in the final session to ensure the amendment becomes law [3]. The 6x1 model has long been a point of contention for labor advocates who argue it negatively impacts mental health and family stability.
While the commission has approved the base text, the final version may still undergo adjustments before it reaches the full Chamber of Deputies for a definitive vote [2].
“A special commission of the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies approved a draft amendment on May 27, 2026, to eliminate the 6x1 work schedule.”
The approval of this draft amendment represents a pivot toward shorter working hours in Brazil, mirroring global trends in labor reform. By reducing the weekly cap and removing the 6x1 rotation, the government is prioritizing worker well-being over the traditional high-intensity service model. The 14-month transition period is a critical compromise designed to prevent sudden economic shocks to small and medium-sized enterprises that rely heavily on the current shift system.
