The Brazilian Chamber of Deputies approved a constitutional amendment to end the 6x1 work schedule and reduce the standard weekly workweek [1].
This legislative shift represents a significant change in labor conditions for millions of workers. By shortening the workweek, the government aims to improve quality of life and labor standards across the country, a move championed by Minister of Labor Luiz Marinho [2].
Under the new proposal, the standard weekly work hours will be reduced from 44 to 40 hours [1]. To allow businesses to adjust to the new requirements, the amendment establishes a transition period of up to 14 months [1].
The proposal moved forward after a vote in the Chamber of Deputies. Records indicate a vote in the Constitution and Justice Committee (CCJ) occurred on April 22, 2024 [3, 4]. The process was accelerated by an urgency regime, which requires a vote within 45 days [2].
Following the approval in the lower house, the proposal has been sent to the Senate for further deliberation. Opposition members said they may seek compensation measures, or adjustments within special committees, to mitigate the impact on employers [3].
The amendment targets the 6x1 model, where employees work six days followed by one day of rest. The transition to a 40-hour week is intended to modernize the Brazilian labor market and align it with contemporary standards of worker well-being [2, 5].
“The standard weekly work hours will be reduced from 44 to 40 hours.”
The approval of this constitutional amendment signals a pivot toward shorter workweeks in Brazil, mirroring global trends in labor reform. While the transition period provides a buffer for businesses, the shift from a 44-hour to a 40-hour week may force companies to restructure shifts or increase hiring to maintain operational capacity, potentially increasing labor costs for the private sector.
