Brazil is debating a constitutional amendment that would reduce the standard weekly workweek from 44 to 40 hours [4].
The proposal, known as PEC 12/2026 or the “PEC do Trabalho Flexível,” represents a significant shift in Brazilian labor law by prioritizing direct negotiation over rigid state mandates. Proponents said the change will improve workers' mental health and quality of life while allowing businesses to adapt to modern economic demands [5].
Under the proposed rules, employers and employees could directly negotiate work hours, schedules, and hourly pay [2]. Despite this flexibility, the amendment would maintain core labor rights, including vacation time, and the Guarantee Fund for Time of Service (FGTS) [2]. To prevent exploitation, the PEC would limit overtime to two hours per day [3].
The measure has gained significant momentum within the federal legislative process. On May 22, 2026, the Constitution and Justice Committee (CCJ) of the Chamber of Deputies approved a favorable opinion through a unanimous vote [5, 6].
Support for the amendment spans both the executive and legislative branches. The proposal is backed by President Luiz Inácio Lula and labor minister Hugo Motta [1]. Additionally, approximately 3,000 business entities and 36 opposition senators have expressed support for the measure [1].
Business leader Paulo Skaf said the proposal is part of a broader effort to modernize the labor market [1]. The transition to these new rules would include flexible guidelines to help companies adjust to the shorter workweek without disrupting operations [3].
“The proposal would reduce the standard weekly workweek from 44 to 40 hours.”
The shift toward a 40-hour workweek and the elimination of the 6x1 scale reflects a global trend toward prioritizing worker well-being and flexibility. By allowing direct negotiation between employers and employees, Brazil is moving toward a more decentralized labor model that seeks to balance productivity with mental health, potentially reducing burnout and increasing labor market efficiency.
