Brazil’s Lower House Approves End of the 6×1 Workweek
BRAZIL · LABOR
Key Facts
—The vote. Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies approved a constitutional amendment ending the 6×1 work schedule in two rounds, 472–22 and 461–19.
—The change. A 40-hour week over five days with two rest days replaces the model of six days on, one off, at 44 hours.
—Transition. Hours drop from 44 to 42 within 60 days of promulgation, then to 40 over 14 months, with no salary cut.
—Next step. The text now goes to the Senate, where a separate workweek proposal has been advancing.
—Latin American impact. Brazil joins Mexico, Colombia and Chile in cutting hours, reshaping regional labor cost expectations.
Brazil moved to end the 6×1 workweek on Wednesday night, as the Chamber of Deputies approved a constitutional amendment cutting the standard week to 40 hours and sending the measure to the Senate.
A Lopsided Vote on a Divisive Reform
The lower house passed the amendment, known as PEC 221/19, in two rounds late on Wednesday. The first vote was 472 to 22 and the second 461 to 19. The wide margins marked one of the year’s biggest legislative wins for the labor agenda.
Earlier in the day, a special committee cleared the text by 34 votes to 4. All four votes against came from the opposition. The proposal then moved straight onto the floor agenda.
The approved text is a substitute drafted by deputy Leo Prates. It folded in an earlier proposal from deputy Reginaldo Lopes for a 36-hour week and one from deputy Erika Hilton for a four-day schedule. Government leaders used a near-identical amendment to fend off changes that could have unraveled the deal.
What the 6×1 Workweek Reform Actually Changes
The 6×1 schedule has employees work six days and rest one, common in retail and services. The amendment replaces it with five working days and two rest days, one preferably on Sunday.
The change is phased. Within 60 days of promulgation, the maximum week falls from 44 to 42 hours and the 5×2 schedule takes effect. A further cut to 40 hours follows over a 14-month transition.
Crucially, the reduction carries no reduction in pay, including for wage floors. The text does carve out exceptions, such as degree-holders earning above 2.5 times the social-security ceiling and some outsourced public-sector contracts.
Business Pushback and the Political Stakes
Ending the 6×1 schedule was a central demand at this year’s May Day rallies, and surveys have shown strong public backing. That handed the government a popular cause heading into the October election.
Industry groups warned about higher costs for labor-intensive sectors. The phased timeline and references to collective bargaining are meant to ease that strain. Government allies framed the result as a historic gain for workers.
For investors, the reform adds to a regional trend rather than an isolated shock. Mexico, Colombia and Chile have all moved to shorten hours this decade, reshaping how companies model labor costs across Latin America.
The Road Through the Senate
The amendment now passes to the Senate, where a related workweek proposal has been moving through committee. The government has said it wants both chambers to act in the first half of the year.
A constitutional amendment requires approval in two rounds in each chamber. The Senate version had pointed toward a deeper cut, so the two texts will need to be reconciled before anything is promulgated.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 6×1 workweek?
It is a schedule under which an employee works six days and rests one. It is common in Brazilian retail and services and is tied to the current 44-hour weekly limit.
Will the change cut wages?
No. The amendment states that the move to 40 hours and two rest days applies without any salary reduction, including for wage floors. Some higher-earning and outsourced roles are exempt.
When would the new rules take effect?
A first cut to 42 hours and the 5×2 schedule would apply within 60 days of promulgation. The final move to 40 hours would follow over a 14-month transition.
Is the reform now law?
Not yet. The Chamber has approved it, but it still needs Senate approval in two rounds before it can be promulgated as a constitutional amendment.
How does Brazil compare with the region?
Brazil would join Mexico, Colombia and Chile, which have all legislated shorter working hours this decade. Mexico has set a phased path toward 40 hours by 2030.
Connected Coverage
For background on the deal that set up this vote, see our earlier report on Brazil’s move to end the 6×1 scale and cut the week to 40 hours. The regional pattern is detailed in our coverage of Mexico’s labor market and the shift toward informal work.
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