A committee in Brazil's Chamber of Deputies approved a constitutional amendment proposal to reduce the work week to 40 hours [1].
This legislative shift targets the elimination of the "6x1" schedule, a common labor arrangement where employees work six days and have one day off. The change aims to improve general working conditions for millions of laborers across the country [1], [2].
The Comissão de Constituição e Justiça (CCJ) approved two constitutional amendment proposals simultaneously [1]. The measure passed with a significant majority, recording 34 votes in favor and four against [4].
Reports on the timing of the approval vary between sources. Some records indicate the committee approved the proposal on April 22, 2026 [1], [2], [3], while other reports date the action to May 27, 2026 [4].
The proposal seeks to modernize the Brazilian labor market by establishing a mandatory maximum of 40 hours per week. By removing the 6x1 scale, the legislation intends to provide workers with more recovery time, and a better balance between professional and personal life [1], [3].
Because the measure is a proposal for a constitutional amendment, it must undergo further legislative hurdles before becoming law. The CCJ's approval is a critical first step in determining the legal admissibility of the change before it moves toward a full vote in the Chamber of Deputies [3], [4].
“The measure passed with a significant majority, recording 34 votes in favor and four against.”
This legislative move signals a shift in Brazil's approach to labor rights, moving away from high-intensity schedules toward a model that prioritizes worker well-being. If fully ratified, the end of the 6x1 scale would force a wide-scale restructuring of staffing in the service and retail sectors, potentially increasing employment opportunities but raising operational costs for businesses.
