Brazil's Lower House to Vote on Ending 6x1 Work Schedule

The Brazilian Câmara dos Deputados is preparing to vote on a bill to end the 6x1 work schedule ^[1].

This legislative move represents a significant shift in labor rights, as it seeks to reduce worker fatigue and improve quality of life without decreasing pay.

The proposed Projeto de Lei aims to reduce the standard weekly workweek from 44 to 40 hours ^[1]. Under the current 6x1 system, employees work six days and have one day of rest ^[1]. The new legislation would replace this with a different structure, with some reports indicating a 5x2 schedule — five days of work and two days of rest — as the general rule ^[1].

Political divisions have emerged regarding the specific replacement schedule. Sóstenes Cavalcante, leader of the Partido Liberal (PL), said the party will vote to end the 6x1 system but will request a 4x3 schedule instead [2, 3]. This 4x3 model would limit work to four days with three days of rest ^[3].

These shifting positions have led to accusations of political maneuvering. A representative of the Partido dos Trabalhadores (PT) said, "Denunciamos farsa," or "We denounce the farce" ^[2], suggesting the PL's support for a 4x3 schedule is an attempt to disrupt the voting process ^[2].

There are conflicting reports regarding the exact timing of the vote. Some sources indicate the vote is scheduled for Tuesday ^[1], while other reports state it will occur on Wednesday, 27 ^[3].

Regardless of the final schedule adopted, the core of the bill remains the reduction of total weekly hours to 40 while ensuring salaries remain unchanged ^[1].