Senate President Davi Alcolumbre (União Brasil-AP) said a proposed constitutional amendment ending the 6-day-on/1-day-off work schedule should take effect immediately [1].
The proposal represents a significant shift in Brazilian labor law by eliminating a common shift pattern and shortening the standard work week. If passed, the measure would fundamentally alter the balance between labor and rest for millions of workers across the country.
Alcolumbre said on May 2 and reiterated on May 25 that the proposed constitutional amendment, known as a PEC, should reduce the weekly work week from 44 to 40 hours [1], [2]. He said the change must be implemented without a transition period, meaning the measure should enter into force immediately after the PEC is promulgated [1].
According to Alcolumbre, an immediate implementation ensures that workers receive at least two days off per week, preferably Sundays [1]. He said this alignment is necessary to bring Brazil in line with other nations that have already reduced their working hours [1], [2].
"I defend that the reduction of the journey from 44 to 40 hours and the end of the 6x1 scale enter into force immediately, without a transition phase," Alcolumbre said [1].
However, this stance contradicts other reports regarding the rollout of the policy. While the Senate president rejects a phased approach, other sources indicate an agreement for a transition that would reduce the work week by two hours this year, and another two hours in 2027 [3].
Alcolumbre said that the Senate is not obligated to simply approve whatever is passed by the Chamber of Deputies [2]. He said the proposal will not have automatic processing in the Senate [1].
“The measure must enter into force immediately after the promulgation of the PEC.”
The disagreement between the Senate leadership and other government officials over a transition period highlights a tension between labor urgency and economic stability. While an immediate shift prioritizes worker wellness and international standards, a phased rollout is typically designed to prevent sudden operational shocks to the service and retail sectors that rely heavily on the 6x1 schedule.
