Brazil Approves End to Six-Day Working Week

The measure, widely known in Brazil as the end of the "6x1 work schedule", was approved in two rounds of voting, with 75 votes in favour and only one against, paving the way for one of the country's most significant labour reforms in recent years.

According to the Brazilian Senate News Agency, Constitutional Amendment Proposal (PEC) 221/2019 provides for a gradual reduction in the maximum working week from the current 44 hours to 40 hours, while maintaining workers' salaries.

Implementation will take place progressively. Two months after the constitutional amendment is promulgated, the maximum working week is expected to fall from 44 to 42 hours, with workers entitled to two paid days off each week. After a further 12 months, the limit will be reduced to 40 hours per week.

Under the proposed system, Sunday will preferably be one of the two weekly rest days, although adjustments may be made through collective bargaining agreements, provided they comply with the limits established by law.

The proposal will now proceed to promulgation by the National Congress, a necessary step before the new rules can take effect.

Lula Welcomes Approval of Labour Reform

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva welcomed the approval of the proposal, describing the decision as a victory for Brazilian workers and a result of public mobilisation to improve working conditions.

In a message published on social media, Lula emphasised that reducing working hours would allow employees to spend more time with their families, rest and enjoy their personal lives.

"We fought, debated and pushed to ensure that Congress voted this year to end the 6x1 work schedule," the Brazilian President stated.

Lula added that public mobilisation had been decisive in securing progress on the proposal, highlighting the importance of balancing professional responsibilities with quality of life.

The vote also received support from Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, a political opponent of Lula, who voted in favour after announcing a change in his previous position.

Flávio Bolsonaro justified his decision by acknowledging widespread support among Brazilian workers for ending the six-day working week, although he expressed concerns about the measure's potential economic consequences.

Business Groups Warn of Economic Impact

Despite political support for the proposed reduction in working hours, business organisations representing the industrial, commercial and services sectors have raised concerns about its potential consequences.

Employers' associations have warned that shorter working hours could increase operating costs, particularly in sectors that require continuous operations and substantial staffing levels.

Among the concerns raised are the potential loss of jobs, difficulties for small businesses in adapting to the new rules and possible disruptions to essential services.

Supporters of the reform, however, argue that shorter working hours could improve working conditions, reduce physical and psychological exhaustion, and promote a better balance between professional and family life.

According to estimates from Brazil's Inter-Union Department of Statistics and Socioeconomic Studies (Dieese), reported by Agência Brasil, reducing the maximum working week to 40 hours could benefit approximately 26.8 million Brazilian workers, including formal and informal workers currently working longer hours.

With the Senate's approval, Brazil has taken a significant step towards gradually replacing the six-day working week with a five-day schedule and two days of rest, without salary reductions.

The implementation of the reform will depend on the promulgation of the constitutional amendment and compliance with the established transition periods.