The Brazilian Chamber of Deputies approved a constitutional amendment on Wednesday that ends the 6x1 work schedule for public servants [1, 2].

This legislative shift removes a long-standing labor practice that required employees to work six consecutive days before receiving a single day of rest. The move represents a significant pillar of the government's broader labor reform agenda aimed at improving worker welfare.

The vote took place on May 27, 2026, in Brasília [1]. According to reported totals, the amendment passed the first turn with 472 votes in favor and 22 against [2]. The measure then passed a second turn of voting with 461 votes in favor and 19 against [2].

To pass a constitutional amendment, the Chamber requires a minimum of 308 affirmative votes [3]. The overwhelming margin of victory indicates strong legislative support for the transition away from the 6x1 model. This follows the creation of a special commission on May 24, 2026, to debate the specifics of the proposal [3].

The text has now been forwarded to the Senate for further consideration [1]. The 6x1 schedule has been a point of contention for labor advocates who argue the system is exhaustive and outdated. By eliminating this requirement, the government seeks to modernize the labor framework, and provide more balanced rest periods for the workforce.

Legislators in the Chamber of Deputies handled the process through two rounds of voting to ensure the constitutional change met the necessary legal thresholds. With the lower house's approval secured, the focus now shifts to the Senate, where the amendment must be vetted before it can become law [1, 2].

“The amendment passed the first turn with 472 votes in favor and 22 against.”

The approval of this amendment signals a shift in Brazil's approach to labor rights, moving away from high-intensity work cycles. If the Senate approves the text, it will establish a new constitutional baseline for work-rest ratios, potentially influencing private sector labor negotiations and setting a precedent for broader workforce reductions in hours across the country.