Brazil Votes to End Six-Day Workweek
Brazil’s federal Senate voted overwhelmingly on October 14, 2026, to abolish the traditional six-day workweek, passing a constitutional amendment that limits maximum weekly hours to 40. The reform marks the first general reduction in Brazil’s statutory weekly working hours since the current constitution took effect in 1988.
Companies Must Phase in Lower Weekly Hour Limits
Under the approved constitutional amendment, companies must phase in the new hour limits without reducing employee wages. Businesses have a transition window that drops the weekly ceiling from 44 hours to 42 hours within two months of official publication, and down to 40 hours one year later. Workers will receive two paid rest days per week, with Sunday designated as the preferred rest day, though collective bargaining agreements can establish alternative schedules.
Flávio Bolsonaro Supports Bill Before Presidential Runoff
The legislative push gained critical momentum ahead of the October 25 presidential runoff election. Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, the presidential challenger and son of former Jair Bolsonaro, reversed his stance on October 13 to support the bill after facing public pressure and a direct challenge from Lula. Hamilton Mourão, representing Rio Grande do Sul for the Republicans party, cast the lone dissenting vote in both rounds, arguing that the six-day model should remain intact.
Economic Impact on Service Sectors
Business associations warned throughout the legislative process that shorter hours could increase personnel costs and drive up consumer prices. The changes heavily impact retail, food service, and other industries that rely on continuous staffing. According to figures from the Brazilian Ministry of Labor, approximately 14.8 million workers currently operate under the six-day model, though a broader segment of the formal workforce stands to benefit from the newly mandated rest days.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Reform
How many dissenting votes were cast in the Senate?
Only one senator, former Hamilton Mourão, voted against the constitutional amendment in both rounds, while 75 senators voted in favor, according to amerika21.
When does the new 40-hour limit take effect?
The reform takes effect following official publication, starting with a reduction to 42 hours within two months and dropping to 40 hours twelve months later.
Which political figures changed their stance before the vote?
Senator Flávio Bolsonaro changed his position on the eve of the vote to support the constitutional amendment after previously opposing it during the entire deliberation process, alongside support driven by the movement Vida Além do Trabalho (Leben jenseits der Arbeit, VAT), trade unions, and parliamentarians that began years prior, while Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva made the abolition of the 6×1 week a central concern of his administration.
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