The Brazilian Chamber of Deputies approved a constitutional amendment on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, to end the 6x1 work schedule [3].

This legislative shift represents a significant change to Brazil's labor regulations by prioritizing worker rest and reducing the standard operational week. The move aims to modernize labor laws and improve the quality of life for millions of employees across the country.

Under the new proposal, the maximum weekly work hours will be reduced from 44 to 40 [1]. This change ensures that workers are guaranteed two days of rest per week [2]. The amendment, known as a PEC, seeks to eliminate the 6x1 system, where employees worked six days followed by a single day of rest.

The approval follows discussions between President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and officials to finalize the text of the amendment. By lowering the hourly threshold, the government intends to increase the time workers spend away from the workplace—a move designed to curb burnout and increase productivity.

Following the vote in the Chamber of Deputies in Brasília, the PEC has been forwarded to the Senate for analysis [5]. While the lower house has signaled its support, the measure is expected to face more resistance in the Senate, where business interests often hold stronger influence.

Local political dynamics were visible during the voting process. In Bahia, for example, three deputies were absent during the vote [4]. Despite these absences, the measure passed through the required rounds of voting in the lower house.

The transition to a 40-hour week will require companies to restructure their staffing, and scheduling to maintain operational continuity. The Senate must now decide whether to approve the text as is, amend it, or reject the proposal entirely.

“The weekly work hours will be reduced from 44 to 40.”

The approval of this amendment marks a pivot toward a shorter workweek in Brazil, aligning the country more closely with European labor standards. If the Senate approves the measure, it will force a nationwide shift in how businesses manage labor costs and scheduling, potentially increasing the demand for new hires to fill the gaps left by reduced individual hours.