Brazil: End of 6×1 work schedule is a key issue in election battle

Brasilia, Oct 7 (Prensa Latina) The proposal to end the 6x1 work schedule is gaining prominence in Brazil after entering Senate discussions, amid a presidential campaign where the issue is shaping up to be a point of contention heading into the runoff.

October 7, 2026
13:29

On Tuesday, the Upper House began plenary discussions of the Constitutional Amendment Proposal (PEC 221/2019), which would progressively reduce the maximum workweek from 44 to 40 hours and establish two paid rest days, without wage reduction.

The debate will continue and must span five sessions before the initiative undergoes its first-round vote to end the schedule establishing six days of work followed by one day of rest.

The PEC, originally presented in the Chamber of Deputies in 2019 and adopted by that body in May, received support of the Senate’s Constitution and Justice Committee (CCJ) in September.

The proposal’s return to the spotlight coincides with the campaign for the October 25 presidential runoff, turning working hours into another battleground between President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, of the Workers’ Party (PT), and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, of the Liberal Party (PL).

Lula once again advocated for reducing working hours without less pay, so workers have more time to rest, spend time with their families, study, and care for their health.

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