Brazilian Senate Committee Analyzes Proposal to End 6x1 Work Schedule

The Constitution, Justice and Citizenship Committee (CCJ) of the Brazilian Senate began analyzing a proposed amendment to the Constitution (PEC 221/19) on Wednesday to end the 6x1 work scale. The proposal seeks to reduce the maximum weekly work hours from 44 to 42 hours within 60 days of publication, and further down to 40 hours after 12 months. Under the plan, a 5x2 scale would be implemented for all workers without a reduction in salary, providing two days of paid weekly rest.

Relator Senator Omar Aziz (PSD-SP) defended the measure, stating that the reduction would improve family life, benefit single mothers, and enhance mental health. The proposal includes specific provisions for essential categories and creates a super employee category for those earning above R$ 21,188.88, who would benefit from the new scale without having their hours tracked. To become law, the PEC requires approval from three fifths of the Senate, totaling 49 of the 81 senators.

The debate has become a focal point of political and electoral tension. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has made the reduction of the workday a key campaign promise, arguing that working six days to rest one is merely surviving. Conversely, opposition members from the PL party argue that the measure could have drastic consequences for companies. Some opposition figures, including Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, advocate for an alternative model based on flexible negotiation between employers and workers and payment by the hour.

Political dynamics within the Senate show a strategic divide. Some Bolsonarista senators who are running for election are reportedly avoiding public clashes over the measure to avoid alienating voters, leaving the opposition to senators who are not seeking re-election. A Quaest poll from July indicates that 69 percent of Brazilians support ending the 6x1 scale.