President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) has proposed ending the six-day-on-one-day-off work schedule to establish a 40-hour weekly limit [1].
The move aims to improve the quality of life for Brazilian workers by reducing excessive hours [5]. If passed, the legislation would fundamentally alter the labor landscape for millions of employees currently operating under the 6x1 system [1].
President Lula da Silva said the details during a meeting in Brasília with Hugo Motta (Republicanos-PB), the president of the Chamber of Deputies [1]. The bill was previously sent to the National Congress on May 14, 2024 [2].
Under the proposed plan, the weekly work limit will be set at 40 hours [1]. To allow businesses to adjust, the proposal includes a transition period of one year [1].
The transition includes a specific phased reduction. The proposal suggests a reduction of two hours per week after the first 60 days [1].
This shift targets the current 6x1 schedule, where employees work six consecutive days before receiving one day off [1]. The government said the primary goal is to reduce the burden of excessive work hours on the population [5].
While the proposal outlines a clear timeline, some reports differ on the specifics of the transition. Some sources emphasize the one-year window and the 60-day initial reduction [1], while others focus solely on the shift to the 40-hour limit [2].
“The proposal includes a transition period of one year.”
The proposal represents a significant shift in Brazilian labor policy, moving away from a rigid 6x1 model toward a more flexible, shorter workweek. By implementing a phased transition—including a 60-day initial reduction—the government is attempting to mitigate the economic shock to businesses while addressing public health and worker burnout concerns.
