Brazil Senate pushes ahead with constitutional amendment to end 6‑day work schedule

The Brazilian Senate is debating a constitutional amendment (PEC) that would end the 6×1 work schedule, moving to a 40‑hour week with two days of rest. Senate President Davi Alcolumbre and government leader Teresa Leitão have met with Senate committees, while the president of the Senate, Otto Alencar, said the bill will be dispatched for discussion. Labor Minister Luiz Marinho criticized Alcolumbre’s delay, saying it is "strange" that the Senate president waits for a meeting with President Lula before advancing the text.

Workers’ groups have staged nationwide protests, with thousands marching in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and other cities. Adilson Araújo, head of the Central of Workers, warned that "time is life" and urged swift action. A senator from the governing coalition defended the original text, while Luciana Nunes Freire, director‑executive of the São Paulo Federation of Industries (Fiesp), opposed the amendment, declaring in a Senate hearing, "Preciso ir ao salão" because she needs services on Saturdays.

The Ministry of Labor has identified 17 professions that may require special rules if the PEC passes, including athletes, aviation crew and domestic workers. Analysts suggest a transition period of at least two years to allow businesses to adapt. The amendment has already cleared the Chamber of Deputies and now awaits Senate approval before the October elections, making it a focal point of Brazil’s labor policy and political agenda.