Brazil’s National Congress has approved PEC 221/2019 (known as PEC do Fim da Escala 6x1), a constitutional amendment establishing two days of paid weekly rest and gradually reducing the standard maximum working week from 44 to 40 hours, without a reduction in salary. The reform replaces the traditional “6×1” schedule—six working days followed by one day off—with a general five-day working week.
The amendment now awaits formal promulgation by Congress. Under the approved transition framework, the maximum working week will fall to 42 hours, with two paid rest days per week, 60 days after promulgation. After 14 months, the maximum working week will be reduced further to 40 hours.
The text also permits collective bargaining arrangements that distribute rest days differently, provided workers receive the equivalent of two paid days off per week on average within the same calendar month, with at least one rest day each week.
For international professionals and businesses building a life or establishing operations in Brazil, the reform is an important development to follow when planning employment arrangements and understanding the country’s evolving labor framework.
At Migrasil, our team of qualified lawyers helps businesses and workers make informed decisions about living, working, and operating in Brazil. Through tailored legal reports and analysis of legislative developments, we explain how Brazilian laws affect your plans, responsibilities, and opportunities, helping you prepare for changes and move forward with confidence.