Chamber Readies Vote to End 6x1 and Cut Workweek to 40 Hours

Overview

• Relator Léo Prates postponed his report and will present the special-committee parecer on Monday, May 25, setting off a decisive week of committee and plenary votes over the PEC.
• President Lula has urged an immediate cut from 44 to 40 hours without salary reductions and will meet Chamber President Hugo Motta and Labor Minister Luiz Marinho on Monday to try to close outstanding differences.
• Core elements reported as agreed include ending the 6x1 schedule, guaranteeing two paid days off per week, and a prohibition on salary cuts while the design and length of any transition remain the main sticking point.
• Business groups warn an abrupt shift could raise labour costs and push prices higher and are pushing for phased or sector-specific rules while unions and social movements press for rapid implementation.
• The proposal is a constitutional amendment that would set broad rules now and leave many technical details to later regulation or collective bargaining and its success depends on quick political deals to secure the votes needed in the Chamber.