Brazilian unions pressure Senate to vote on 6x1 work schedule end

Brazilian labor unions have launched a mobilization to pressure the Senate to vote on Constitutional Amendment Proposal (PEC) 221/2019 before the 2026 elections. The proposal seeks to end the ‘6x1’ work schedule—six days of work followed by one day of rest—and reduce the maximum weekly working hours from 44 to 40 without salary reductions.

The movement follows an announcement by Senate President Davi Alcolumbre that the vote will likely only occur after the elections. In response, the Forum of Labor Unions has planned actions including street protests, social media campaigns, and leafleting in commercial centers. Union leaders, including Sérgio Nobre of the CUT, have accused the delay of being influenced by business interests and opposition senators.

Politically, the Workers' Party (PT) is reportedly adopting a cautious strategy. Rather than escalating conflict with Alcolumbre, the party aims to preserve its relationship with the Senate presidency while redirecting criticism toward the opposition, specifically targeting the Liberal Party (PL) for obstructing the measure.