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Brazil's Congress moves to end 6‑day work schedule and cut weekly hours
The Brazilian government and the Chamber of Deputies have agreed on a constitutional amendment (PEC 221/19) that will eliminate the 6 × 1 work regime. The text sets a 60‑day transition after promulgation during which workers will gain a second paid day off and weekly hours will drop from 44 to 42. After a further twelve months the week will be reduced to 40 hours, with two days of rest. The amendment is being examined by a special commission; a request for a view by Deputy Maurício Marcon delayed the vote to 27 May, with a new round scheduled for 27 May. Public demonstrations in São Paulo’s Avenida Paulista called for the same changes, and trade‑union leaders warned that the short transition could increase informal employment and turnover. Business groups, including the Santa Catarina industry federation, expressed concerns about higher labor costs and urged a longer adjustment period. The proposal also exempts high‑earning university‑educated workers from the hour‑limit. If approved, the reform will affect roughly 15 million workers currently on the 6 × 1 schedule and millions more on the 5 × 2 schedule.