Brazil’s National Congress has promulgated a constitutional amendment ending Brazil’s common six-day workweek, guaranteeing workers two paid rest days each week and beginning a phased reduction of the maximum workweek from 44 to 40 hours.
The measure, which replaces the “6x1” pattern of six days on and one day off with a five-days-on, two-days-off schedule, was formally enacted in BrasĂlia on Friday, October 16. Its first changes are due to take effect within 60 days, giving employers time to adjust schedules. The Senate approved the amendment 75–1 in two votes on October 14, after it had passed the lower house, completing the congressional process.
The change will not immediately bring the weekly limit down to 40 hours: after the initial 60-day period, workers are to receive two weekly rest days as the limit drops to 42 hours. The ceiling is then scheduled to fall to 40 hours 12 months later. The amendment bars employers from cutting salaries because of the shorter working time, while allowing some flexibility in how rest days are arranged through collective bargaining.
The reform marks a major change to Brazil’s labor rules, particularly for workers in industries where six-day schedules have been common.