✓ verbatim from the press
Chamber Speaker Hugo Motta (Republicans-PB) meets with President Lula today to finalize the political strategy for voting on Constitutional Amendment 221/19, which ends the 6x1 work schedule. The plan provides for approval on Thursday (28) by the special committee and Chamber plenary in two rounds on the same day. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"O presidente da Câmara dos Deputados, Hugo Motta (Republicanos-PB), pretende fechar a articulação política para votar, na quinta-feira (28), a proposta de emenda à Constituição que acaba com a escala de trabalho 6x1. A estratégia em discussão prevê que o texto, ainda sujeito a ajustes, seja aprovado no mesmo dia pela comissão especial e pelo plenário da Casa, em dois turnos."
The proposal reduces the weekly workload from 44 to 40 hours and establishes two mandatory rest days per week. Rapporteur Leo Prates said at a public hearing on the 20th that "we need 308 votes, and it is not easy" — the three-fifths quorum necessary to approve constitutional amendments in the 513-member Chamber. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"A Proposta de Emenda à Constituição (PEC 221/19) discute mudanças na jornada semanal de trabalho, incluindo a redução da carga horária de 44 para 40 horas semanais e a adoção de modelos com dois dias de descanso."
"Nós precisamos de 308 votos, e não é fácil', afirmou o relator durante o debate."
The text does not yet have a final draft. Prates informed that the size of concessions "will depend on pressure from workers, unions and social movements." One proposal under discussion provides for a 90-day transition to implement the 5x2 schedule, followed by gradual reduction of working hours from 43 to 40 hours over four years. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"Para ele, o tamanho das concessões feitas no texto final dependerá da pressão exercida por trabalhadores, sindicatos e movimentos sociais."
"A proposta de Prates ao governo, sobre a qual ainda não há acordo, é fazer uma transição de 90 dias para aplicar a escala 5x2, com duas folgas obrigatórias por semana e, a partir daí, iniciar a redução da jornada. A carga horária de trabalho passaria a ser de 43 horas semanais após 90 dias da promulgação da PEC e seria reduzida em uma hora a cada 12 meses, até chegar às 40 horas semanais."
Business representatives oppose the mandatory change. Carlos Kurtz, from the Federation of Industries of Santa Catarina (Fiesc), defended that "working hours and schedules continue to be defined through collective agreements," citing concerns about costs and competitiveness. Current labor legislation guarantees weekly rest of 24 hours, as established by article 67 of the CLT. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"Pela Federação das Indústrias do Estado de Santa Catarina (Fiesc), Carlos Kurtz defendeu que jornadas e escalas continuem sendo definidas por meio de acordos coletivos."
"Art. 67 - Será assegurado a todo empregado um descanso semanal de 24 (vinte e quatro) horas"
PEC 221/19 requires 308 votes for approval in the Chamber (three-fifths of 513 deputies)
Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.
Covered by only some sources (1)
Specific details of the proposed 90-day transition followed by gradual reduction over 4 years
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How many votes has Motta secured for PEC 221/19?
Why it's still unknown: No public vote count or specific caucus commitments were released as of May 25, 2026
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What will be the final text of the PEC after Motta's mentioned adjustments?
Why it's still unknown: The text is still subject to adjustments and there is no final agreement between government and rapporteur on transition deadlines
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Which economic sectors would be most affected by the change and what is the estimated impact?
Why it's still unknown: Specific quantitative analysis by sector was not presented in available sources