Brazil's Congress recess stalls key labor and misogyny reforms

Brazil's National Congress began a recess on Friday, 17 July, with the legislative calendar paused until August. The pause comes as the country heads toward the October general elections, limiting the time available for lawmakers to advance pending bills.

Key proposals left untouched include the constitutional amendment (PEC) to end the 6×1 work schedule, which would cut the maximum weekly workweek from 44 to 40 hours. The amendment was approved by the Chamber of Deputies on 27 May with only 22 votes against but remains stalled in the Senate under President Davi Alcolumbre, who has not forwarded it to the Constitution and Justice Committee.

Another high‑profile item is the criminalisation of misogyny (PL 896/2023), equating gender‑based hate with racism. The urgency measure passed the Chamber on 1 July (293‑158) and was unanimously approved by the Senate, but final voting was postponed amid conservative opposition.

The bill to raise the micro‑entrepreneur (MEI) annual revenue limit to R$140,000 also awaits debate, with the government wary of a potential fiscal impact of up to R$50 billion a year.

Senate President Alcolumbre announced two “weeks of concentrated effort” – 10‑14 August and 31 August‑3 September – to coordinate with the Chamber and push the 6×1 PEC, pending presidential vetoes and other priority projects forward after the recess.