From The Rio Times · Richard Mann · · 2m
Brazil Ends Six-Day Work Week
Brazil's Congress ends six-day work week with constitutional amendment 141, guaranteeing two paid rest days.
In brief
Brazil's Congress ends six-day work week with constitutional amendment 141, guaranteeing two paid rest days. Brazil's Congress enacted constitutional amendment 141 ending the six-day work week, guaranteeing two paid rest days and reducing weekly hours from 44 to 40 without pay cuts. Originally reported by The Rio…
Brazil Enacts End of Six-Day Work Week
Brazil's Congress promulgated Constitutional Amendment 141 on Friday, 16 October, ending the six-day work, one-day rest schedule known as 6×1 and guaranteeing two paid rest days every week.
Why It Matters
The change reaches every employer in Latin America's largest economy, including US subsidiaries, and lands nine days before the runoff on 25 October, with both finalists on record backing it.
The Numbers
The Senate voted 75 to 1 on Wednesday, 14 October, and the weekly limit falls from 44 hours to 42 hours 60 days after publication, then to 40 hours 12 months later, with no pay…
Who Signed It
Chamber of Deputies president Hugo Motta and Senate president Davi Alcolumbre signed the promulgation, with President Lula attending though Congress promulgates amendments itself.
What Replaces 6×1
After the transition, the usual limit is 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week, with two paid rest days, and 6×1 companies must adopt a five-day schedule within 60 days.
How Congress Voted
The Chamber of Deputies approved it in May, 472 to 22 in the first round and 461 to 19 in the second, with the Senate voting 75 to 1 on Wednesday, 14 October.
Business Pushback
The National Confederation of Industry called the proposal inadequate and untimely, with allies of Flávio Bolsonaro wanting to revisit it next year with hourly pay agreements.
What It Means for US Readers
Employers with Brazilian staff, including US subsidiaries, must move to a five-day schedule about 60 days after publication, so December shift plans and 2027 staffing budgets need review.
What Comes Next
Publication in the Diário Oficial da União starts the 60-day clock for most outlets, with the 40-hour limit following 12 months later.
What Is Not Known
The gazette publication date is not confirmed, and outlets differ on when the 60 days start, with Agência Brasil counting from promulgation and giving 15 December.
The one thing
Brazil's Congress enacted constitutional amendment 141 ending the six-day work week, guaranteeing two paid rest days and reducing weekly hours from 44 to 40 without pay cuts.
