Brazil's Vote on Ending 6‑Day Work Scale Delayed Until Post‑Election

The Chamber of Deputies approved a constitutional amendment (PEC) that would abolish the 6×1 work schedule, establishing a 40‑hour week with two days of paid rest. The measure passed the Chamber in May 2026 and now awaits a vote in the Senate.

Labor Minister Luiz Marinho warned that the Senate President, Davi Alcolumbre, is unlikely to schedule the vote before the national elections, effectively postponing the reform. Union leaders and the CTB federation have intensified mobilisation, urging senators to act after the electoral period.

The delay has already affected business sentiment: the São Paulo merchants’ association reported its confidence index falling to a five‑year low, citing the pending work‑hour reform among other political decisions. The debate centers on balancing workers’ rights, productivity, and the political calculus ahead of the vote.