Senator Davi Alcolumbre Faces Government Pressure Over 6×1 Workweek Reform

Senate President Davi Alcolumbre (União‑AP) has become the focal point of a political clash over the pending constitutional amendment (PEC 221/2019) that would end Brazil’s 6‑day‑work‑1‑day‑off schedule. The proposal, approved by the Chamber in May, remains stalled because Alcolumbre has not yet dispatched it to the Senate’s Constitution and Justice Committee. PT leader Pedro Uczai warned he would be treated as an “enemy” if the bill is not advanced, to which Alcolumbre replied that intimidation will not be tolerated and that agenda‑setting is a constitutional prerogative.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has publicly urged Alcolumbre to move the reform forward, describing it as a “historic change” that could benefit 37 million workers. Government leader Teresa Leitão defended the overall relationship with the Senate president, while other officials, including Labor Minister Luiz Marinho, questioned the delay. The tension follows a broader breakdown in ties after Alcolumbre opposed the Senate’s rejection of a government‑appointed Supreme Court candidate.

In parallel, Alcolumbre has signaled that a fast‑track request to regulate homeschooling will not be placed on the agenda before the parliamentary recess, citing insufficient parliamentary support. He also confirmed a R$ 100 million allocation for the BR‑116 highway project, countering a Ministry of Transport claim that no budgetary funds existed for the work. These separate initiatives illustrate the Senate president’s broader legislative influence amid ongoing executive‑legislative frictions.