Brazil Officially Ends 6X1 Work Schedule, Phasing in 5X2 from December 2026

Brazil's Congress has promulgated Constitutional Amendment No. 141, formally ending the 6X1 work schedule and introducing a 5X2 workweek schedule with two days off per week. This change will come into effect on December 15, 2026, after a 60-day transition period.

Under the new regulation, the standard workweek will gradually reduce from 44 hours to 40 hours over 14 months, starting with a reduction to 42 hours after the initial transition, and culminating in a 40-hour week without any salary reductions. Employers will need to adapt daily work hours to an average of 8 hours and 24 minutes during the phase-in period.

The law allows exceptions for the 6X1 schedule if agreed upon through collective bargaining agreements, ensuring workers receive proper compensation for any deviations. Additionally, outsourced public sector workers have a separate 12-month transition period to avoid disruptions in public services.

Employees earning above R$ 21,188.87 are exempt from the automatic reduction of work hours unless reductions are negotiated via collective agreements.

This development marks a significant shift in labor policy, aiming to improve workers' quality of life by institutionalizing two days off per week and shortening working hours gradually, while maintaining salary integrity and operational flexibility for employers.