Brazil's Congress Advances Landmark Labor Bill to End 6x1 Shift and Reduce Work Week

Key Labor Reform Advances in Brazilian Congress

A pivotal labor reform proposal, seeking to eliminate the prevalent 6x1 work shift and decrease the standard work week from 44 to 36 hours, has moved forward to the Constitution and Justice Commission (CCJ) in both chambers of Brazil's National Congress. This legislative initiative aims to enhance workers' quality of life by ensuring two consecutive days of rest, preferably on weekends, without any reduction in salary.

The proposal outlines a gradual transition, with the maximum weekly working hours initially adjusting from 44 to 40 hours in the first year following its enactment. Subsequently, the work week would be reduced by one hour annually until it reaches the 36-hour target by 2030.

Legislative Journey and Key Proponents

In the Chamber of Deputies, the Proposed Constitutional Amendment (PEC 8/25) was authored by federal representative Erika Hilton (PSOL-SP). The President of the Chamber of Deputies, Hugo Motta, announced on February 10, 2026, that the proposal had been sent to the CCJ for admissibility analysis, with a potential plenary vote anticipated in May. Motta emphasized the importance of 'hearing all sectors with balance and responsibility to deliver the best law for Brazilians,' noting that 'the world has advanced, especially in the technological area, and Brazil cannot be left behind.'

Concurrently, in the Senate, a similar proposal (PEC 148/2015), originally by Senator Paulo Paim (PT-RS), received a favorable opinion from rapporteur Senator Rogério Carvalho (PT-SE) and was approved by the Senate's CCJ on December 10, 2025. Senator Carvalho highlighted that the change seeks to 'ensure a better quality of life to employees and bring Brazil closer to international working hours standards,' while also aiming to 'preserve jobs and avoid an immediate increase in costs that would be unbearable for companies.'

Understanding the '6x1' Shift and its Impact

The 6x1 work shift is a system where employees work six consecutive days and are granted only one day off. This model is particularly prevalent in sectors requiring continuous operations, such as:

• Restaurants
• Supermarkets
• Hospitals and clinics
• Security services
• Transportation
• Call centers

Proponents of the reform argue that ending this shift and reducing the work week will provide workers with more free time for family life, study, and leisure, potentially leading to increased productivity and reduced absenteeism and physical strain. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has also voiced support for a broad public debate on ending the 6x1 schedule and reducing working hours, stating that 'it's time for Brazil to take this step.'

Next Steps in the Legislative Process

Following approval by the respective Constitution and Justice Commissions, the proposals will proceed through further stages of legislative review. In the Senate, the text still requires two votes in the plenary. If approved there, it will then move to the Chamber of Deputies for two more votes, requiring the favorable vote of at least 49 senators and 308 deputies before it can be enacted. The government has indicated a strong commitment to advancing this agenda, with the President of the Chamber of Deputies signaling a potential vote in the coming months.