Brazil’s Senate Constitution and Justice Committee approved a proposal to end the six-day workweek on September 2, 2026. The committee backed constitutional amendment PEC 221/2019, which would replace six working days and one day off with two paid rest days.
What would change under the six-day workweek proposal?
The text reduces the maximum weekly working time from 44 to 40 hours. In addition, it protects wages against cuts. Businesses would have a 14-month transition period to adjust to the new rules.
However, committee approval does not make the proposal law. The next stage is consideration by the full Senate, where a constitutional amendment requires two voting rounds.
Committee decision and opposition
The committee supported the text already approved by the Chamber of Deputies. Meanwhile, senators Rogério Marinho, Hamilton Mourão, Tereza Cristina and Jaime Bagattoli opposed the report.
Rapporteur Omar Aziz recommended rejecting all 36 amendments. The committee also rejected amendment 32 after a separate vote, according to the official meeting record.
Debate over ending the six-day workweek
Supporters argue that shorter hours and more rest would improve workers’ dignity and mental health. They also point to earlier labor reforms that expanded rights without preventing economic growth.
Opponents, however, warn of possible inflation, unemployment and informal work. Instead, they favor individual negotiations and more flexible hourly arrangements. Thus, the debate brings together competing views about worker welfare and business costs.
Source: Brazilian Senate — committee meeting of September 2, 2026 (in Portuguese).
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