Chamber Committee Advances Constitutional Amendment That Could End the 6×1 Work Schedule in Brazil

On May 27, the Special Committee of Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies approved the report on a proposed Constitutional Amendment (PEC) that would reduce the standard workweek from 44 to 40 hours without any reduction in employees’ pay.

In practice, the proposal would establish a model with two paid weekly rest days, directly affecting businesses that currently operate under the 6×1 schedule (six consecutive working days followed by one day of rest).

Key provisions of the proposal

• Maximum workweek of 40 hours;
• Maintenance of the current limit of 8 working hours per day;
• Two paid weekly rest days;
• Prohibition of salary reductions;
• Gradual implementation:
• Reduction from 44 to 42 hours after 60 days;
• Reduction from 42 to 40 hours after 12 months.

Sectors likely to be most affected

• Retail and shopping centres;
• Supermarkets;
• Manufacturing and industrial operations;
• Logistics;
• Hospitality;
• Food services;
• Healthcare.

Potential impacts on businesses

• Review of work schedules and shift arrangements;
• Increased operational costs;
• Workforce planning and staffing adjustments;
• Collective bargaining negotiations;
• Review of outsourced service agreements.

The proposed amendment must still be approved in two rounds of voting by both the Chamber of Deputies and the Federal Senate and may be subject to changes during the legislative process.

The issue is expected to remain at the centre of labour and business discussions in the coming months.

Our Labour & Employment team is available to provide guidance on this and other workplace-related matters.