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Brazil implements gradual reduction of weekly work hours
Brazil has promulgated Constitutional Amendment 141/2026, which mandates the end of the 6x1 work schedule (six days of work followed by one day of rest) and establishes a 5x2 schedule with two paid weekly rest days. The amendment guarantees that there will be no reduction in nominal or proportional salaries.
The transition will occur in two stages: by December 15, 2026, the maximum weekly work limit will decrease from 44 to 42 hours, and by December 2027, it will reach a definitive limit of 40 hours per week.
Economic sectors are already anticipating impacts. The private education sector, which employs approximately 1.4 million people, expects increased fixed costs that may be passed on to tuition fees. The food service industry, including bars and restaurants, faces significant operational shifts; estimates suggest the reduction in hours could require the hiring of approximately 147,000 additional employees to maintain current service levels.
The federal government is currently discussing a decree to regulate exceptions for atypical work regimes, such as shifts and aviation workers, to ensure the law's practical application across diverse sectors.
Entities
Abrasel · Brazil · Brazilian Congress · Constitutional Amendment 141 · DIAP · Indeed · Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva · Ministry of Labor and Employment · Teresa Leitão
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Constitutional Amendment 141/2026 was promulgated on October 16, 2026. guiadoinvestidor.com.br · informaparaiba.com.br · revistaempreende.com.br · www.spacemoney.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] The 6x1 work schedule is abolished in favor of a 5x2 schedule. guiadoinvestidor.com.br · revistaempreende.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The food service sector would need to hire roughly 147,000 employees to compensate for lost hours. mahoje.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The private education sector employs approximately 1.4 million people.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The maximum weekly work hours will be reduced to 42 hours by December 15, 2026. guiadoinvestidor.com.br · revistaempreende.com.br · www.spacemoney.com.br
- [● 2 SOURCES] The maximum weekly work hours will be reduced to 40 hours by December 2027. guiadoinvestidor.com.br · revistaempreende.com.br
- [● 2 SOURCES] The law prohibits any reduction in nominal or proportional salaries. guiadoinvestidor.com.br · revistaempreende.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Ministry of Labor is discussing a decree to regulate exceptions for atypical work regimes. guiadoinvestidor.com.br