Brazil's Senate delays PEC 221 to end 6×1 work schedule, sparking fare and price concerns

The Chamber of Deputies approved PEC 221, which would end the 6×1 work schedule and cut the weekly workweek from 44 to 40 hours. Transport leaders warn the change could raise urban bus fares by up to 8%, as operators would need more drivers or overtime pay. The proposal is also expected to trigger broader price increases across industries, with a federation representative warning that higher labor costs would ripple from steel producers to household goods.

The federal government has called the reform a priority, but the Senate has not yet set a vote date, leaving the measure stalled. Senator Rogério Marinho denounced the amendment as “more a golpe (a golpe) of the federal government,” arguing that maintaining salaries while reducing hours would push costs onto consumers and municipal budgets. The debate continues as both supporters and opponents seek to shape the final legislation.