[REVISION HISTORY]

Brazil implements gradual end of 6x1 work schedule

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What changed

2026-10-27 13:56 UTC → 2026-10-28 11:36 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Brazil ~~promulgates~~ implements gradual end of 6x1 work schedule

The Brazilian National Congress has promulgated Constitutional Amendment 141, officially ending the ‘6x1’ work schedule. The reform transitions workers to a 5x2 model with two weekly rest days, reducing the maximum weekly workload from 44 to 40 hours without salary reductions. Implementation is gradual: companies must adopt a 42-hour limit by December ~~16,~~ 15, 2026, reaching the 40-hour cap by December 16, 2027. ~~To mitigate impacts on micro-entrepreneurs (MEIs), the annual revenue limit for MEIs will be increased progressively through 2028, and they may hire up~~ Economic sectors continue to ~~two employees. The legislative path was marked by~~ anticipate significant delays and political tension. The Senate approved the measure (PEC 221/2019) in two rounds of voting with 75 votes in favor and only one against. Notably, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro changed his position to vote in favor of the reform. Following promulgation, Hugo Motta, President of the Chamber of Deputies, announced that the House would begin internal adjustments to its own working hours to benefit outsourced staff. Opposition from various sectors remains intense. impacts. The ~~restaurant~~ private education sector ~~(Abrasel) anticipates~~ expects increased ~~costs,~~ fixed costs that may be passed on to tuition fees, while the food service industry faces operational shifts, with estimates suggesting ~~a 7% to 8% increase in menu prices and a potential~~ the need to hire approximately 147,000 additional employees to compensate for a loss of 5.9 million work hours per week. The retail sector projects labor expenses could rise by 20% to 22%, while the private education sector anticipates increased fixed costs. In response to the shift, some maintain service levels. To manage continuous operations, many businesses, particularly restaurants in São Paulo shopping centers, are adopting the 12x36 ~~model—working 12~~ model (12 hours of work followed by 36 hours of ~~rest—to manage continuous operations.~~ rest). While this model can reduce costs like transportation vouchers, legal experts note it may require further adjustments to meet the eventual 40-hour limit. The federal government is currently discussing a decree to regulate exceptions for atypical work regimes, such as aviation workers and shift workers. Additionally, the Presidency’s Social Communication Secretariat (Secom) has issued alerts regarding misinformation. The government clarified that Amendment 141 has not been altered following elections and denied rumors of cuts to social welfare programs like Bolsa Família and Gás do Povo, noting that the Executive branch cannot modify a promulgated amendment.

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