The Brazilian Congress approved a historic change to labor laws on Wednesday, reducing the standard workweek from 44 to 40 hours without cutting salaries. The amendment, formally known as PEC 221/2019, passed with overwhelming support in the Senate, with only one senator, Hamilton Mourão (Republicanos-RS), voting against it. The measure marks a significant victory for President Lula, who has made labor reform a central pillar of his re-election campaign this year. O Brasil viveu um momento histórico com a maior mudança nas leis trabalhistas desde a Constituição de 1988 na última quarta-feira (14), destacando-se como a mais ampla reforma trabalhista da era democrática.
Workweek Reduction and Transition Plan
The new rules will take effect after the amendment is published, with a 14-month transition period. During this time, the workweek will gradually decrease from 44 to 42 hours within two months and to 40 hours after a year. Workers will receive two days of paid rest per week, with Sunday as the preferred day off. According to the International Labour Organization, Brazil ranks among the highest in the G20 for average weekly hours worked, trailing countries like Canada and Australia but ahead of India and China.
A pilot project by 4 Day Week Brazil and the Fundação Getulio Vargas tested the four-day workweek in 19 small and medium enterprises from January to June 2024. Results showed a 71.5% productivity increase and 60.3% higher employee engagement, alongside improved work-life balance. Another study by Marilane Teixeira, an economist at Unicamp, estimates that reducing the workweek to 36 hours could create up to 4.5 million new jobs in Brazil and boost productivity by nearly 4%.
Political Path to the Vote
The 6×1 shift ended through efforts by the Movimento VAT (Vida além do trabalho), founded in 2023 by former pharmacy counter assistant Rick Azevedo, now a federal deputy from Rio de Janeiro. In 2024, Azevedo was elected as the most voted state deputy in Rio. Federal deputy Erika Hilton (PSOL-SP) championed PEC 8/2025, which proposed ending the 6×1 system and adopting a 36-hour workweek via a 4×3 schedule with a one-year transition. Her proposal merged with PEC 221/2019, introduced by PT’s Reginaldo Lopes (MG).
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The federal government initially hesitated. In late 2024, Labor Minister Luiz Marinho (PT) suggested the issue should be addressed through collective bargaining agreements rather than legislation. By late 2025, the government shifted its stance, but in June 2026, it withdrew support for PL 1838/2026, a constitutional urgency bill also targeting the 6×1 system. Such bills require passage within 45 days per chamber, and their failure blocks other legislative proposals.
The victory positions Lula to align his campaign with labor advocates, potentially consolidating support for the October 25 runoff. Other initiatives announced this week include PLP 186/2026, raising the MEI income limit to R$ 140,000 by 2028, forgiving debts, and offering R$ 5,000 Pix investments. Lula also proposed a constitutional amendment for free public transport on weekends, funded through congressional amendments, claiming it would complement the 6×1 victory.
Impact on Businesses and Economy
The reduction of the workweek aligns with broader economic goals, as indicated by studies cited in the source. This projection shows the potential for the policy to stimulate employment and efficiency across sectors.
Political and Electoral Implications
The legislative shift strengthens President Lula’s alignment with labor advocates ahead of the October 25 runoff election. The victory consolidates support from progressive factions and working-class voters, addressing a key campaign promise. Lula’s additional proposals, such as PLP 186/2026, which raises the MEI income limit to R$ 140,000 by 2028 and offers R$ 5,000 Pix investments, further reinforce this strategy. O projeto de lei complementar (PLP 186/2026), aprovado no Senado na quinta-feira (15), também prevê o perdão das dívidas dos MEIs inscritos na dívida ativa da União e a ampliação da contratação de empregados de um para até dois, medidas que ampliam o apoio aos microempreendedores.
