# Brazilian labor and social security legislative changes > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/brazilian-labor-and-social-security-legislative-changes > Updated: 2026-11-04T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 40. Developments: 4. The Brazilian National Congress has enacted several constitutional amendments targeting labor and social security regulations. Constitutional Amendment 140/2026 established special retirement rules for community health, endemic disease, indigenous health, and indigenous sanitation agents. These professionals may now retire five years earlier than the general standard, provided they meet specific age and contribution requirements. The minimum age is set at 57 for women and 60 for men, requiring 25 years of contribution and service, with transition rules allowing earlier retirement until 2030. The amendment also prohibits the temporary or outsourced hiring of these roles. The federal government estimates the impact of benefit complementation at approximately R$ 3 billion per year. In response, the municipality of Berizal in Minas Gerais has suspended its selection process for 10 community health agent positions to ensure compliance. Following this, Constitutional Amendment 141/2026 (PEC 221/2019) was promulgated to end the 6x1 work schedule, mandating at least two paid weekly rest days, with one day preferably falling on a Sunday. The Brazilian Senate has approved this amendment, which reduces the maximum weekly working hours from 44 to 40. The transition is phased: the two-day rest requirement and a 42-hour weekly limit take effect in December 2026, with the final 40-hour limit implemented in December 2027. These changes must occur without salary reductions. Minister of Labor and Employment Luiz Marinho announced that a decree to regulate these changes is expected to be published on November 9, 2026. The regulation will allow for flexibility through collective bargaining, enabling sectors to implement scales that suit their economic needs, provided workers receive at least eight days off per month. Under this decree, the weekly limit will drop to 42 hours two months after publication and reach 40 hours one year later. ## Claims - The maximum weekly work hours will reduce to 42 hours starting December 16, 2026. (reported by 9 sources) - The maximum weekly work hours will reduce to 40 hours in December 2027. (reported by 7 sources) - The approved amendment reduces the maximum work week from 44 to 40 hours. (reported by 2 sources) - Constitutional Amendment 141/2026 ends the 6x1 work schedule in Brazil. (reported by 11 sources) - The new work rules must be implemented without reducing employee salaries. (reported by 9 sources) - The Ministry of Labor is expected to send a decree to the President with a list of sector exceptions. (reported by 2 sources) - Sindilojas-SP estimates 52,000 new employees will be needed in the city of São Paulo alone. (reported by 2 sources) - Eduardo Braga is preparing a new PEC to create exceptions for specific professional categories. (reported by 2 sources) - Proposed exceptions include truck drivers, aviation workers, and offshore oil platform workers. (reported by 2 sources) - The new 5x2 work schedule is set to enter into force on December 16. (reported by 2 sources) - The proposed PEC would allow for the maintenance of current rules or expansion of daily hours for jobs with shifts under five hours or 40 hours weekly through union negotiation. (reported by 2 sources) - The CNC estimated an immediate 21% increase in payroll costs for the retail sector to comply with the new ceiling. (reported by 1 source) ## Timeline ### 2026-11-04: Brazil to regulate end of 6x1 work schedule Brazil plans to release a decree on November 9 to regulate the end of the 6x1 work schedule, ensuring two weekly days off and a gradual reduction in weekly hours through collective bargaining. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-workers-face-fatigue-following-winter-time-change ### 2026-11-01: Brazil Senate approves end of 6x1 work schedule Brazil's Senate approved an amendment ending the 6x1 work schedule, reducing the work week to 40 hours and guaranteeing two weekly rest days, with a phased implementation starting in December 2026. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-senate-moves-to-end-6x1-work-schedule ### 2026-10-28: Brazil implements Constitutional Amendment 141 to end 6x1 work schedule Brazil's Constitutional Amendment 141/2026 ends the 6x1 work schedule, reducing weekly hours to 42 in 2026 and 40 in 2027 without salary cuts. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-promulgates-constitutional-amendment-141-to-end-6x1-work-schedule ### 2026-10-21: Brazil promulgates special retirement rules for health agents Brazil has enacted Constitutional Amendment 140/2026, granting special retirement rights to community health and endemic disease combat agents. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-promulgates-special-retirement-rules-for-health-agents --- Cite as: Brazilian labor and social security legislative changes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/brazilian-labor-and-social-security-legislative-changes