Senate President Davi Alcolumbre stalls PEC 6×1 work‑hour reform in Brazil

The constitutional amendment (PEC) that would end Brazil's 6‑day work schedule, cut the weekly workweek from 44 to 40 hours and guarantee two paid rest days, was approved by the Chamber of Deputies in May 2026. Since then it has remained stuck in the Senate. President of the Senate Davi Alcolumbre has kept the proposal on his desk and has not sent it to the Constitution and Justice Commission (CCJ), which has not scheduled any meetings. Deputy Paulo Paim has publicly urged a vote, while the opposition has filed an alternative amendment to preserve the 6×1 schedule. The delay coincides with the São João holidays and a Brazil‑Scotland World Cup match, resulting in a largely empty legislative week.

The ruling Workers’ Party has launched a digital mobilization of more than 50,000 “Porta‑Vozes” supporters, urging the use of the hashtag #AprovaSenado and planning nationwide protests to pressure Alcolumbre. The issue is part of broader tension between the Senate leadership and the executive, with Alcolumbre also facing criticism over other high‑impact fiscal proposals.

If passed, the reform would affect millions of workers in retail, health, security, transport and other sectors, providing additional rest time and protecting wages, while opponents argue it could raise labor costs and hamper productivity.