End of the 6x1 Shift: What Changes in the Workday

The constitutional amendment proposal that ends the 6x1 work schedule entered into discussion in the Senate this Tuesday, October 6. The measure, which was already approved in September by the Constitution and Justice Committee, provides for the reduction of the weekly workday from 44 to 40 hours, distributed over five days, and the guarantee of two days of rest, one of which must be Sunday. The proposal also ensures that the reduction of the workday does not imply a reduction in salary.

What Changed in the Workday

The PEC text establishes that, in two months, the workday will become 42 hours, and, after one year, it will reach 40 hours per week. The daily workday remains limited to 8 hours. The objective is to make the workload more compatible with international standards and improve workers' quality of life.

How the Election Influences the Debate

With the legislative election concluded, pressure on senators to vote in favor of the PEC has decreased. Before the vote, many parliamentarians feared public opinion's reaction and the impact at the polls. Now, those who were re-elected already have a guaranteed eight-year mandate, while those who were not no longer face the same pressure. This change in the political landscape makes the PEC's vote less predictable.

The Role of the Senate President

Davi Alcolumbre, the House president, did not vote on the PEC before the first round to avoid electoral pressures. He also has to deal with the new composition of the Senate, which now has more right-wing members, including the PL caucus, which will have 28 senators in 2027. Alcolumbre needs to manage the new balance of power for the PEC to advance.

Expectations for Approval

To be approved, the PEC needs three-fifths of the Senate votes, meaning 49 votes. The discussion will have five plenary debate sessions before the first-round vote, and, if approved, it will proceed to the second round with three more sessions. Senators can accelerate the process by approving a special calendar, but the final decision will depend on political negotiations within the House.

What the Senate's Statement Says

In a press release, the Senate Presidency highlighted that the end of the 6x1 shift is a topic of “broad relevance for Brazilian society” and that the debate will be conducted with “responsibility, balance, and respect for different perspectives.” The Senate reaffirms its commitment to dialogue and to building solutions that consider workers, the productive sector, and the country's economic and social development.

With information from O GLOBO, VEJA.