Brazil's Senate Backs Shorter Workweek Ahead of Presidential Runoff
Brazil's Senate approved a constitutional amendment on 14 October to end the 6x1 work schedule, with 75 senators voting in favor and one against in both rounds. The measure grants two paid rest days and cuts the maximum workweek from 44 to 42 hours two months after promulgation, then to 40 hours a year later. The proposal now moves to promulgation, coming 11 days before the 25 October presidential runoff.
The measure is PEC 221/2019. It cleared the Senate by 75-1 in each round, with Hamilton Mourão the sole opponent; 49 votes per round were required. The Chamber of Deputies had already approved it in May, so it proceeds directly to promulgation. Senate President Davi Alcolumbre has indicated this could occur as early as next week.
The amendment reduces the maximum week from 44 to 42 hours two months after promulgation, then to 40 hours a year later. It adds a second paid weekly rest day, preferably Sunday, caps daily work at eight hours, and says pay cannot fall. The vote came 11 days before the 25 October runoff.
The shorter week could give many Brazilian employees more rest and family time, while employers may face higher scheduling and payroll costs. US companies with Brazilian staff, including retailers and call centres, may need to revise rosters. Investors in firms such as Petrobras, Vale and Itaú Unibanco could monitor how labour costs evolve. Because the change arrives just before the runoff, its implementation may remain a campaign issue.