Brazil's Câmara dos Deputados Advances Bill to Reduce Workweek to 40 Hours and Eliminate 6x1 Schedule
Brazil's Câmara dos Deputados prepares to vote on a bill to reduce the workweek to 40 hours, maintain salaries, and eliminate the 6x1 schedule, reflecting a major labor reform effort.
- • Câmara dos Deputados discusses PL 1838/26 to establish a 40-hour workweek with no salary reduction.
- • The bill aims to eliminate the 6x1 work schedule, guaranteeing two consecutive days off.
- • Deputy Hugo Motta appointed Leo Prates as relator; Prates led the previous constitutional amendment reducing work hours.
- • The proposal blocks other matters on the Plenary agenda due to its urgent status.
Key details
On June 16, 2026, Brazil's Câmara dos Deputados is scheduled to discuss and vote on Projeto de Lei 1838/26, a legislative proposal aimed at reducing the maximum workweek to 40 hours while maintaining workers’ salaries. This bill was submitted by the Executive branch under urgent consideration, effectively prioritizing it above all other matters on the Plenary's agenda.
The bill proposes amending the Consolidação das Leis do Trabalho (CLT) to establish a 40-hour workweek without salary reduction, and importantly, to eliminate the 6x1 work schedule (six days of work followed by one day off), replacing it with a 5x2 schedule that guarantees two consecutive days off for workers. This change aligns with a recently approved constitutional amendment (PEC) passed by the Câmara on May 27, which similarly reduced the workweek from 44 to 40 hours and adjusted work-rest patterns. The PEC is currently under review by the Senate.
Deputy Hugo Motta, President of the Câmara, appointed Deputy Leo Prates as the bill’s relator. Prates previously led the successful passage of the constitutional amendment and supports keeping the language of the new bill consistent with the PEC. Discussions with party leaders are planned before the vote, highlighting the political focus on labor reform.
This legislative initiative coincides with ongoing economic concerns, such as rising inflation and interest rates. The Central Bank's Monetary Policy Committee (Copom) is meeting concurrently to decide on the Selic interest rate amid inflation surpassing targets, underscoring the significance of balancing labor reforms with economic stability.
According to reports, the project’s passage would mark a significant shift in Brazil's labor law, aiming to improve workers' quality of life by reducing working hours without reducing pay and providing more rest days. Chamber President Hugo Motta emphasized that the bill’s progress is a priority, indicating the government's commitment to modernize labor regulations in alignment with recent constitutional changes.
As the Câmara prepares to vote, attention remains on the final language of the proposal and its potential economic and social impacts, as well as its approval in the Senate to become law.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
