Senate President Alcolumbre stalls PEC to end Brazil's 6×1 work schedule

The constitutional amendment (PEC) that would end Brazil's 6×1 work schedule and reduce the weekly workweek from 44 to 40 hours was approved by the Chamber of Deputies in late May 2026. Since then, its progress in the Senate has stalled. Senate President Davi Alcolumbre has kept the bill on his desk, arguing that the chamber needs more time to debate and possibly amend the text before voting. A scheduled thematic debate on 1 July did not result in the bill being forwarded to the Constitution and Justice Committee, and the Senate’s calendar has been further delayed by the June 24 Saint‑John festivals and a World Cup match.

Deputy Erika Hilton, a prominent advocate for ending the 6×1 schedule, publicly accused Alcolumbre of blocking the reform and criticized the informal recess that allows senators to enjoy a week‑long holiday while workers remain on the demanding schedule. The PEC remains pending as the July legislative recess approaches, with uncertainty about whether it will be voted on before the break.