Brazil's Chamber of Deputies is advancing a constitutional amendment to end the 6x1 work schedule and reduce overall weekly working hours [1].
This legislative shift represents a significant change to the Brazilian labor model. By eliminating the 6x1 system, where employees work six days and rest one, the government aims to align the country with a 40-hour work week model [3].
Hugo Motta, president of the Chamber of Deputies, said Monday that the proposed amendment should be approved with a transition period of one year [1]. This grace period is intended to allow businesses to adjust their operations to the new hourly requirements.
The legislative process has seen several key milestones. A special commission was first installed on April 29, 2024 [2]. More recently, the Constitution and Justice Committee (CCJ) held an admissibility vote on April 24, 2026, where two separate constitutional amendments regarding the schedule were given admissibility [4].
Deputy Reginaldo Lopes, the author of one of the proposals, said he defended the move toward shorter hours. Other lawmakers, including Kim Kataguiri, are also involved in the proceedings in Brasília [1]. The debate centers on balancing worker well-being and productivity with the economic viability of businesses that rely on extended operational hours.
The transition to a 40-hour week is already seeing some private sector movement. Some companies have begun finalizing agreements to officialize the reduced weekly journey ahead of the legislative mandate [5].
“A PEC do fim da escala 6x1 deve ser aprovada com um período de transição de um ano.”
The move to abolish the 6x1 schedule reflects a growing global trend toward shorter work weeks to improve mental health and labor productivity. By implementing a one-year transition period, the Brazilian government is attempting to mitigate the shock to the service and retail sectors, which rely heavily on the 6x1 model. If passed, this amendment would fundamentally rewrite Brazil's labor contract, shifting the burden of scheduling from the employee's endurance to the employer's operational efficiency.
