Brazil's Chamber of Deputies approved a constitutional amendment on Wednesday, May 27, to end the six-day-on/one-day-off work schedule [1].
The move represents a significant shift in labor rights for millions of workers. By reducing the workweek and increasing rest days, the government aims to improve quality of life and worker health without decreasing current wages.
The legislation, known as PEC 221/19 [4], was backed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Chamber President Hugo Motta [1]. The amendment establishes a gradual reduction of the weekly workweek from 44 hours [2] to 40 hours [3].
Under the new rules, the current 6x1 system — where employees work six days and have one day off — will be replaced by a 5x2 schedule [3]. This means workers will operate on a five-day-on/two-day-off rotation [3].
The reform is being promoted as a popular measure in an election year [5]. Supporters said the change is necessary to modernize the labor market and protect workers from exhaustion.
The proposal now moves to the Senate for further analysis [1]. For the amendment to become law, it must pass through two rounds of voting in the Senate [5]. While the Chamber has given its approval, some analysts expect the bill to encounter resistance in the upper house [1].
There is currently no fixed deadline for the Senate vote [1]. However, some expectations suggest the text could be voted on before the upcoming elections [1].
“The amendment establishes a gradual reduction of the weekly workweek from 44 hours to 40 hours.”
The approval of PEC 221/19 marks a pivotal attempt by the Lula administration to pivot Brazil toward a shorter workweek model. If the Senate approves the measure, it will fundamentally alter the operational costs and staffing requirements for the service and retail sectors, which rely heavily on the 6x1 rotation. The timing suggests a strategic political move to secure labor support ahead of national elections.
