Brazil Senate to vote on ending 6‑day work schedule in August

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva sent a constitutional amendment to the Senate in May to eliminate the 6 × 1 work schedule, which requires six consecutive work days and a single day of rest. The amendment, approved by the Chamber of Deputies on 27 May, reduces the weekly working hours from 44 to 40 without cutting wages and introduces a 5‑day work week with two consecutive rest days.

The Senate placed the proposal on hold for several months. Legislative leaders now expect committee deliberations and a plenary vote to take place in August, with the vote likely to continue into September, even as the national election campaign proceeds. Syndicalists and labor unions back the measure, arguing it will improve workers’ quality of life and productivity, while business groups call for a more thorough economic impact assessment before any vote.

Alongside the 6 × 1 amendment, lawmakers are also reviewing related proposals, including a flexible‑hours scheme and a separate executive project that would cement a 40‑hour week with guaranteed two‑day rest periods.