Brazil Senate debates ending 6x1 work week as election looms

The Brazilian Senate began debating a constitutional amendment (PEC 221/2019) on Tuesday to reduce the maximum workweek from 44 to 40 hours and guarantee two rest days without pay cuts, ending the 6x1 schedule. The proposal already passed the Chamber of Deputies in May with 472 votes to 22 and cleared the Constitution and Justice Committee in September.

Senate President Davi Alcolumbre kept the item on the agenda despite opposition pressure, scheduling three plenary debate sessions this week. Five debate sessions are required before a first-round vote, where 49 of 81 senators must approve.

“It is time for the people to know the truth. I want to know how Flávio Bolsonaro will vote, how he will guide the PL vote.”

President Lula urged Flávio Bolsonaro to declare his vote, calling it a "moment of truth" and framing the measure as vital for workers, especially women. Lula's government aims to pass the PEC this week before the October 25 runoff.

Flávio Bolsonaro, a senator and presidential candidate, criticizes the PEC as "opportunistic" and promotes an alternative PL proposal for hourly pay, which could lower wages if hours drop. His campaign coordinator, Senator Rogério Marinho, leads opposition efforts to delay or empty the plenary.

Opposition senators plan to insist on full regulatory timelines, calculating that normal procedure pushes a final vote past the runoff. Alcolumbre targets a first-round vote next Thursday, but a mandatory five-business-day interval and three more debate sessions complicate the calendar.

Senator Teresa Leitão is gathering signatures for a special calendar to accelerate the process, arguing the current legislature has full rights until January 2027. Senator Paulo Paim cited international examples showing shorter weeks can maintain or raise productivity.