✓ verbatim from the press
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva advocated on Sunday (10) for ending the 6x1 work schedule, linking the proposal to the burden on Brazilian mothers. In a video published on Mother's Day, Lula stated that "every mother deserves more time" and that "it doesn't make sense that in the 21st century, with all technological evolution, millions of Brazilians have to work six days a week to rest just one day". ✓
Press quotes (2)
"Toda mãe merece mais tempo. Tempo para descansar, para estar com quem ama, para viver"
"Não faz sentido que em pleno século 21, com toda a evolução tecnológica, milhões de brasileiros e brasileiras tenham que trabalhar seis dias por semana para descansar apenas um dia"
The presidential statement coincides with the processing of two constitutional amendment proposals in the Chamber of Deputies: PEC 221/2019, by deputy Reginaldo Lopes (PT-MG), and PEC 8/2025, by deputy Erika Hilton (PSOL-SP). PEC 8/2025 proposes to alter item XIII of article 7 of the Constitution to establish "normal work duration not exceeding eight hours daily and thirty-six hours weekly, with a four-day work week". ✓
Press quotes (1)
"duração do trabalho normal não superior a oito horas diárias e trinta e seis horas semanais, com jornada de trabalho de quatro dias por semana, facultada a compensação de horários e a redução de jornada, mediante acordo ou convenção coletiva de trabalho"
According to data cited by the government, when combining paid work and domestic work, Brazilian women work almost ten hours more per week than men, equivalent to about 21 more days per year dedicated to home and family care. Among Black women, the load reaches 22.4 weekly hours of domestic work, according to a study by the International Labour Organization in partnership with the Ministry of Development and Social Assistance. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"quando somamos trabalho remunerado e trabalho doméstico, as mulheres brasileiras trabalham quase 10 horas a mais por semana do que os homens"
"chegam a dedicar 22,4 horas semanais ao trabalho doméstico, segundo estudo da Organização Internacional do Trabalho, em parceria com o Ministério do Desenvolvimento e Assistência Social, Família e Combate à Fome"
Chamber President Hugo Motta (Republicans-PB) stated that the goal is to approve the proposal still in May. "Our goal is to deliver this approval now in May. We are close to a historic change," said Motta, who classified the agenda as "economic, but also about defending the Brazilian family." Labor and Employment Minister Luiz Marinho has advocated for replacing the 6x1 schedule with a 5x2 model, claiming the current schedule "is the cruelest" for workers. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"Nossa meta é entregar essa aprovação agora em maio. Estamos perto de uma mudança histórica"
"É uma pauta econômica, mas também sobre a defesa da família brasileira"
Two constitutional amendments are being processed on workweek reduction: PEC 221/2019 (Reginaldo Lopes) and PEC 8/2025 (Erika Hilton)
Hugo Motta stated that voting on the proposal should occur in May 2026
Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.
Covered by only some sources (3)
PEC 221/2019 proposes gradual reduction from 44 to 36 hours over ten years
Leo Prates (Republicans-BA) is the rapporteur for the proposal in the special committee
Employer entities contest the reduction and request postponement of the discussion
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What is the current composition of the special committee and how do parliamentary blocs position themselves on each constitutional amendment?
Why it's still unknown: Sources mention the discussion is in a special committee but don't detail the composition or specific party positions
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Which economic sectors would be most impacted and how many workers are currently subject to the 6x1 schedule?
Why it's still unknown: No source presents quantitative data on sectors or number of workers affected by the change
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What is the specific processing timeline and what are the next procedural steps in the committee?
Why it's still unknown: Sources mention intention to vote in May but don't specify hearing dates, deadlines for reports, or detailed timeline
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What is the estimated fiscal impact of the proposals and how would gradual implementation work?
Why it's still unknown: Sources don't present cost analyses for companies or government, nor detail how the practical transition would occur