Brazilian Parliament Reschedules Vote to Abolish 6x1 Work Schedule Amid Political Debate
The Brazilian Chamber of Deputies rescheduled the constitutional amendment vote to end the 6x1 work schedule for April 22, amid political negotiations and government proposals on work hour reforms.
- • Vote on PEC to abolish 6x1 work schedule set for April 22 after request for delay.
- • Government submitted a bill to reduce workweek hours, but PEC schedule remains on track.
- • Rapporteur Paulo Azi gave a favorable opinion but noted fiscal and transitional concerns.
- • Opposition tries to postpone votes; Motta confirms Parliament's strong political will to approve reform.
Key details
The President of the Chamber of Deputies, Hugo Motta, has rescheduled the vote on the Proposed Amendment to the Constitution (PEC) aimed at ending the 6x1 work schedule to April 22. This legislative change would abolish the current system where employees work six days followed by only one day off. The delay followed a "pedido de vista" (request for further consideration), as Motta noted that parliamentary rules require a two-session interval before voting.
Despite the government's recent submission of a bill proposing a reduction in the workweek from 44 to 40 hours without salary cuts or transition rules, Motta emphasized that the PEC's parliamentary schedule will proceed independently. He highlighted that while the executive branch can expedite legislation, the Chamber of Deputies retains the authority to manage the legislative process. Motta also spoke to the political will present in Congress to approve the end of the 6x1 scale, asserting that the change is vital for enhancing workers' health, leisure, family life, and productivity.
The PEC's rapporteur, Paulo Azi, presented a favorable opinion but highlighted the need for fiscal compensation measures and cautious legislative drafting to avoid rigid constitutional mandates that might restrict economic flexibility. Meanwhile, Minister of Labor Luiz Marinho suggested the government’s bill is facing delays in Congress but implied that the PEC's approval could render the bill unnecessary due to the lengthier amendment process.
Opposition groups and the Centrão have sought to postpone deliberations, aiming to push major votes beyond election periods, with alternative related labor bills expected to be voted on in the Labor Commission on April 29. Motta has also opposed expanding payroll tax exemptions linked to ending the 6x1 schedule, citing concerns about fiscal health. Additionally, a proposal to regulate app-based work was temporarily removed from debate to balance worker protections and economic costs.
The upcoming session includes reviewing the PEC's admissibility in the Constitution and Justice Commission, followed by appointing a rapporteur and committee president, with plans to bring the proposal to the Plenary by May’s end. Motta continues discussions with the government on other legislative priorities such as funding social assistance, women’s safety, climate policies, and recognition for police officers.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
