Brazil Senate advances proposal to end 6x1 work schedule

The Brazilian Senate is preparing to analyze a Constitutional Amendment Proposal (PEC 221/2019) that aims to end the 6x1 work schedule, which currently allows for six days of work followed by one day of rest. The proposal seeks to reduce the maximum weekly working hours to 40 without reducing employee salaries.

Senator Renan Calheiros (MDB) stated that his party is prepared to vote on the matter as early as next week. He noted that Senate President Davi Alcolumbre and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva have coordinated a calendar for the proposal's progression. The measure has already passed the Senate's Constitution and Justice Committee (CCJ) and is awaiting a vote in the Plenary.

Public support for the reduction is significant, with a Datafolha survey indicating that over 70% of Brazilians favor shorter work weeks without pay cuts. Labor unions and social movements continue to pressure for a vote before upcoming elections.