Brazil Senate President Alcolumbre pressured to advance 6x1 work‑week amendment

Senate President Davi Alcolumbre (União Brasil‑AP) is under strong pressure to forward the constitutional amendment that would end the 6×1 work‑week and reduce the weekly labour span from 44 to 40 hours. Alcolumbre said he will convene party leaders next week to discuss the proposal’s path and noted that, although the Senate’s internal rules allow a special commission, the amendment’s standard procedure calls for it to be sent directly to the Constitution and Justice Committee (CCJ). Critics among government allies argue that creating a special commission could delay a reform the Lula administration views as a key pillar of its 2026 re‑election agenda.

The bill cleared the Chamber of Deputies on 27 May with overwhelming majorities and now faces the Senate. In the health sector, Banco Safra’s analysis predicts modest effects on earnings: Hapvida (HAPV3) would be the most exposed, while Rede D’Or (RDOR3) appears best positioned to absorb the cost increase. The bank estimates EBITDA impacts between 0.5% and 4.6%, deeming them manageable. “RDOR continues to be our top pick due to lower relative exposure, while HAPV is the most operationally exposed,” the analysts wrote.