Brazil Senate moves ahead with 6×1 workweek reduction bill

Senate President Davi Alcolumbre is facing intense pressure to forward the Proposta de Emenda à Constituição (PEC) that ends the 6×1 work schedule—six days of work followed by one day of rest. After initially suggesting a special commission could review the proposal, Alcolumbre announced he will convene party leaders this week and is expected to send the text directly to the Senate’s Comissão de Constituição e Justiça (CCJ), the standard route for constitutional amendments.

The bill, approved by the Chamber of Deputies on 27 May, would reduce the statutory workweek from 44 to 40 hours in two 14‑month stages, guarantee two weekly days off and keep wages unchanged. Lula’s allies describe the reform as a flagship social measure for the 2026 election campaign, while some business groups warn of higher production costs.

Opposition senators have introduced an alternative hour‑based proposal that would allow flexible contracts and could undermine the intended reduction. A separate PEC (number 12/2026) promoted by a group linked to Flávio Bolsonaro is being criticised as a “Trojan horse” that would fragment labor protections, but it is not the primary focus of the current Senate debate.

The outcome hinges on Alcolumbre’s control of the Senate agenda, as he can shape negotiations among party leaders and influence whether the measure proceeds to a plenary vote before the legislative recess in July.