Senate Commission Approves Proposal to End 6x1 Work Scale

The Constitution and Justice Commission (CCJ) of the Brazilian Senate approved a Proposed Amendment to the Constitution (PEC) that ends the 6x1 work scale and reduces the maximum weekly working hours from 44 to 40. The proposal, which was approved in a symbolic vote, maintains the eight hour daily limit but establishes two days of paid rest per week, preferably including Sunday, without a reduction in salary. The reduction will occur gradually: the weekly limit drops to 42 hours 60 days after promulgation, and then to 40 hours after one year. The measure now moves to the Senate plenary for two rounds of voting, requiring at least 49 votes each to pass.

The proposal advanced following a political agreement between President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senate President Davi Alcolumbre. During the process, the opposition, led by Senator Rogério Marinho, attempted to delay the vote and proposed alternative amendments to allow more flexibility in negotiating hours between employers and employees. These amendments were rejected by the rapporteur, Senator Omar Aziz, who maintained the original text approved by the Chamber of Deputies.

Outlets with a center lean frame the event as a strategic battle over timing and political risk, noting that government supporters are cautious about the exact date of the final vote to avoid a defeat close to elections. Outlets with a center right lean frame the event as a clash between the government's priority agenda and the opposition's desire to prioritize other crises, such as those involving Minister Alexandre de Moraes, while also highlighting the opposition's efforts to introduce market friendly alternatives to the rigid reduction of hours.