Brazilian Congress Advances 40‑Hour Work Week Proposal

The Brazilian Chamber of Deputies approved a constitutional amendment (PEC 221/19) to reduce the standard work week from 44 to 40 hours, eliminating the 6‑day‑on, 1‑day‑off (6×1) schedule. The first‑round vote recorded 472 votes in favour and 22 against. The draft provides a transition period, maintains current wages and grants two paid rest days each week.

The proposal has been sent to the Senate, where President Davi Alcolumbre said the chamber will review it deliberately, not simply rubber‑stamp the measure. He indicated that the bill will be examined by committees, possibly a special commission, and that a leaders’ meeting will be convened to discuss amendments before any vote.