Brazilian Senate Commission to Vote on Ending 6x1 Work Schedule

The Constitution and Justice Commission (CCJ) of the Brazilian Senate is expected to vote this Wednesday, January 2, on a proposed amendment to end the 6x1 work schedule. The proposal, which has already passed the Chamber of Deputies, seeks to reduce the maximum weekly working hours from 44 to 40 over a period of 14 months while ensuring two days of weekly rest without salary reductions. Senator Omar Aziz, the rapporteur for the proposal, stated that he will maintain the text approved by the Chamber and believes there are enough votes for approval in the commission despite expected obstruction efforts from the opposition.

Under the proposed timeline, the weekly workload would drop to 42 hours within two months and reach 40 hours within one year. The end of the 6x1 scale, which guarantees at least two days off per week, preferably including Sunday, would take effect 60 days after the text is promulgated. Senator Aziz argued that the reduction is a matter of distributive justice, noting that the 6x1 schedule disproportionately affects workers with lower incomes and less education.

Opposition members, including Senator Rogério Marinho, intend to use procedural tactics to delay the vote or propose alternative texts, such as a system based on payment per hour worked. Business representatives and industry confederations have expressed concerns regarding productivity and competitiveness, suggesting that changes should be negotiated collectively between employers and employees rather than mandated by the Constitution. Some critics specifically highlighted the potential negative impact on micro-businesses and schools.

Center-left sources frame the move as a necessary labor reform and a result of a renewed relationship between President Lula and Senate President Davi Alcolumbre. In contrast, center sources highlight the political calculations involved, noting that government allies view the proposal as a potential tool to boost President Lula's popularity ahead of the presidential election. Center sources also mention that the legislative process is continuing despite a separate crisis involving Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes.