A special commission of Brazil's Chamber of Deputies approved a constitutional amendment on Wednesday to end the 6x1 work schedule [3].
The move represents a significant shift in labor rights for millions of Brazilian workers. By eliminating the requirement to work six consecutive days before a single day of rest, the proposal aims to improve worker well-being and increase mandatory recovery time.
The approved text establishes a new standard for the national workweek, reducing the maximum hours from 44 to 40 hours per week [2]. This transition introduces a 5x2 model, which mandates five days of work followed by two days of rest [1].
The commission's vote showed strong support for the measure, passing with 34 votes in favor and four against [1]. The proposal focuses on reducing the physical and mental strain on employees who previously operated under the 6x1 system, a model that forced six days of labor before a single break [2, 3].
Because the measure is a Proposed Amendment to the Constitution (PEC), the text must now move to the plenary of the Chamber of Deputies for further deliberation and a final vote [2]. This stage will determine if the change becomes law across the country.
The legislative push comes amid growing demands for shorter workweeks to align with modern labor trends. By capping the week at 40 hours, the commission seeks to balance economic productivity with the health, and social needs of the workforce [3].
“The approved text establishes a new standard for the national workweek, reducing the maximum hours from 44 to 40 hours per week.”
The approval by the special commission is a critical first step in a legislative process that could fundamentally alter Brazil's labor market. Moving to a 5x2 model and a 40-hour week aligns Brazil more closely with international labor standards and responds to systemic burnout in service-sector jobs. However, the final plenary vote will be the true test of whether the government can overcome potential pushback from business sectors concerned about increased operational costs.
