Brazil Senate delays workweek reduction bill ending 6‑day‑plus‑1 schedule

The constitutional amendment (PEC 221/2019) that would end Brazil's 6x1 work schedule and cut the weekly workweek from 44 to 40 hours has been approved by the Chamber of Deputies but remains stalled in the Senate. Senate President Davi Alcolumbre has not dispatched the proposal to the Constitution and Justice Committee, and a scheduled meeting with committee leader Otto Alencar was cancelled, keeping the bill on the Senate’s agenda board.

Opposition senators are weighing a “plan B” that includes an alternative amendment permitting hourly contracts, while some lawmakers propose a 4‑days‑on‑3‑days‑off model for certain public‑service workers. The agricultural sector, represented by SRB director Patrícia Arantes, warns that the change could affect billions of reais in the ethanol, pork, poultry and cooperative sectors and stresses the need for a longer transition period. Several senators have called for the bill to be prioritized before the legislative recess in July, citing its social importance and potential economic impact.