Brazil Senate President Alcolumbre pushes committee review for 6×1 work‑hour amendment

Senate President Davi Alcolumbre said the constitutional amendment (PEC) that would end the 6×1 work schedule must be examined by Senate committees, suggesting a “better” text and possibly a special commission. He stated, “this proposal will have to go through committees,” and indicated he will meet party leaders to decide the procedure.

The proposal, approved by the Chamber of Deputies, is a key government initiative for the 2026 electoral cycle. Alcolumbre warned that the Senate will not simply ratify the Chamber’s version and emphasized the need for thorough debate.

Opposition senators initially drafted an alternative PEC to keep the current schedule and allow hourly contracts, but after criticism from unions and public backlash, several senators withdrew their support, including Rogério Marinho’s allies and right‑wing figures such as Zequinha Marinho, Cleitinho and Romário.

The potential use of multiple committees would break a precedent, as no PEC has been examined by any committee other than the Constitution and Justice Committee since 1988. Government leaders fear this could delay a vote that they aim to complete before August, to have effects felt before upcoming elections.