Brazil Committee Approves End to 6x1 Work Schedule

A committee of the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies approved a constitutional amendment to end the 6x1 work schedule on April 22, 2026 [1, 3].

The measure represents a significant shift in labor conditions for millions of workers who currently operate on a six-days-on, one-day-off rotation. By aligning the national standard with a shorter workweek, the proposal seeks to improve quality of life and worker wellbeing.

The Proposta de Emenda à Constituição (PEC) mandates a reduction in the standard weekly work hours from 44 to 40 ^[1]. This change aims to eliminate the grueling nature of the 6x1 scale, which has been a point of contention for labor advocates in Brazil.

To allow businesses to adjust to the new requirements, the proposal establishes a transition period of up to 14 months ^[1]. This window is intended to mitigate immediate economic shocks to employers while phasing in the reduced hours.

There are conflicting reports regarding the current legislative status of the measure. While some reports indicate the plenary of the Câmara dos Deputados has approved the PEC ^[2], other records state that approval has only occurred within the Comissão de Constituição e Justiça (CCJ) ^[1]. The CCJ is the committee responsible for reviewing the constitutionality of proposed laws before they move to a full vote.

If the amendment passes the full plenary and subsequent legislative hurdles, it would fundamentally alter the employment landscape in Brasília and across the country. The move follows a broader global trend of experimenting with shorter workweeks to increase productivity and mental health.