Brazil moves to end 6‑day work week, proposes 5‑day schedule

The Brazilian government has introduced a bill to replace the current 6×1 work schedule with a 5×2 model, granting workers two days of rest each week. The proposal would gradually cut the statutory weekly work limit from 44 hours to 42 hours 60 days after the law’s enactment, and then to 40 hours after one year, while keeping the hour‑long lunch break outside the counted work time.

Labor judges and unions argue the change will improve health, reduce burnout, anxiety and depression, and align Brazil with an International Labour Organization convention that recommends a 40‑hour week. Business representatives warn the reform could raise production costs and risk a recession. The legislation is under debate in Congress and must complete its parliamentary process before taking effect.