Brazilian Senate advances PECs to end 6x1 work schedule

The President of the Brazilian Senate, Davi Alcolumbre, has forwarded two priority Constitutional Amendment Proposals (PECs) to the Constitution and Justice Commission (CCJ). These include the proposal to end the 6x1 work schedule (PEC 221/2019) and a proposal regarding public security (PEC 18/2025).

PEC 221/2019, which will be rapporteur by Senator Omar Aziz, aims to reduce the maximum weekly work hours from 44 to 40 and guarantee two paid weekly rest days without salary reduction. The implementation would be gradual, transitioning to 42 hours after 60 days and finally to 40 hours after 12 months. The National Confederation of Industry (CNI) has criticized the timing of the vote, arguing that such significant labor changes should be discussed based on technical criteria rather than being influenced by the electoral calendar.

PEC 18/2025, to be reported by Senator Rogério Carvalho, seeks to reorganize the public security system and establish new financing rules, including the allocation of part of the revenue from sports betting to national security and penitentiary funds. Both proposals require approval in the CCJ before moving to a Senate plenary vote, where they need at least 49 votes in two rounds to pass.