Senate President Davi Alcolumbe advances work‑hour reform and health‑agent retirement bill

Senate President Davi Alcolumbe convened a meeting with government leaders, parliamentary sponsors and union representatives to break a month‑long stalemate on the constitutional amendment that would end the 6×1 work schedule. The proposal, approved by the Chamber of Deputies on 27 May, reduces the weekly workweek from 44 to 40 hours, guarantees two paid rest days and preserves salaries. Alcolumbe said the session will be the first formal step toward assigning the bill to the Constitution and Justice Committee and setting a timetable for debate.

On the same agenda, Alcolumbe placed a separate constitutional amendment that creates a special retirement regime for community health agents and agents fighting endemic diseases. The bill sets a minimum retirement age of 57 for women and 60 for men after 25 years of service and extends the benefit to indigenous health and sanitation agents. Government ministries estimate the measure will add about R$ 30 billion to public pension costs over ten years, with some estimates reaching R$ 69 billion. Despite resistance from the Lula administration’s economic team, Senate leaders expect the amendment to pass with a broad majority.

Both proposals are being pushed forward under pressure from the executive branch and social movements, signalling an active legislative slate in the Brazilian Senate.