✓ verbatim from the press
The Chamber of Deputies approved in two rounds, on the night of May 27, 2026, PEC 221/19 which reduces the weekly working hours from 44 to 40 hours and eliminates the 6x1 schedule. In the first round, there were 472 votes in favor and 22 against; in the second, 461 in favor and 19 against. The text now goes to the Senate, where it needs approval by three-fifths of senators (49 votes) also in two rounds. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"A aprovação veio com 472 votos a favor e 22 contra no primeiro turno e 461 a 19 no segundo turno."
The change will be implemented in two phases: after 60 days from promulgation, working hours reduce from 44 to 42 hours weekly with a 5x2 schedule; after an additional 12 months (total of 14 months), hours drop to 40 weekly with a maximum of 8 hours daily. The PEC guarantees two paid rest days per week and prohibits salary reduction. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"Doze meses após a entrada em vigor das 42 horas, a duração do trabalho será reduzida para 40 horas semanais, com o máximo de 8 horas diárias de trabalho."
Labor Minister Luiz Marinho stated that the Senate can approve the proposal in 30 days, highlighting that "the Senate is also attuned to what society is demanding." A Quaest poll from May 18 showed that 68% of Brazilians support ending the 6x1 schedule. Business entities, however, met with Senate President Davi Alcolumbre to discuss possible changes to the text. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"Eu não gosto muito de falar de prazo para o Parlamento, porque seria uma certa interferência, o que não é saudável. O tempo do Parlamento é o tempo do Parlamento. Evidente que se o Senado estiver debruçado com prioridade, com desejo da agilidade que a Câmara trabalhou, creio que 30 dias é o suficiente"
The PEC establishes exceptions for workers with higher education and salaries above approximately R$ 21,000, who can individually negotiate work schedule rules. Categories with specific regimes, such as healthcare and banking professionals, will have adaptation through collective agreements or specific legislation. Public sector outsourced contracts must be renegotiated within 12 months. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"A proposta estabelece que trabalhadores com diploma de ensino superior e remuneração acima de aproximadamente R$ 21 mil poderão ficar fora das regras de controle de jornada"
The PEC was approved in two rounds with broad majority in the Chamber
The transition will occur in two phases: first to 42 hours, then to 40 hours
Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.
Covered by only some sources (2)
Details about union mobilization and pressure on the Senate
-
What will be the specific costs for companies with the reduced working hours?
Why it's still unknown: Detailed fiscal impact studies were not presented during proceedings in the Chamber
-
How will specific regulation work for each professional category?
Why it's still unknown: The PEC provides for subsequent legislation for special categories, but does not detail the timeline
-
What will be the business sector's strategy in the Senate?
Why it's still unknown: Meeting with Davi Alcolumbre occurred, but specific content of proposed changes was not disclosed