Brazil Senate stalls PEC 6x1 work‑week reform ahead of elections

The Brazilian Senate is debating PEC 6x1, a constitutional amendment that would end the current six‑days‑on, one‑day‑off schedule, cut the weekly workweek from 44 to 40 hours and keep wages unchanged. President of the Senate Davi Alcolumbre has placed the proposal on hold, signalling that a vote will likely be postponed until after the October elections.

Business leaders from commerce, transport and industry oppose the measure, arguing it would raise labor costs and hurt productivity. They cite a study estimating a 7.8% impact on the economy, comparable to a minimum‑wage increase. Union representatives and the federal government defend the amendment, pointing to high rates of burnout, depression and anxiety among workers and claiming a rested workforce is more productive. Minister Guilherme Boulos highlighted that Brazil is at a historic low unemployment level and that the costs can be absorbed by firms.

Prominent figures such as federation president Paulo Skaf and Fecomércio‑SP head Ivo Dall’Acqua have called for the vote to be delayed until after the election, emphasizing the need for a free‑conscience decision by legislators.