Constitutional amendment proposals in Brazil's National Congress aim to cut the weekly work hours from 44 to 36 without salary cuts and extend rest to up to three days. The issue splits opinions between advocates for health and quality of life and critics concerned about productivity and the economy.
Proposals for constitutional amendments PEC 148/25, by Senator Paulo Paim, and PEC 8/25, by Deputy Erika Hilton, are advancing in Brazil's National Congress to reduce the weekly work hours from 44 to 36 without salary loss and allow up to three rest days per week. The move aims to democratize job access and redistribute technology benefits, promoting health and family life.
The World Health Organization and ILO link long hours to higher health risks: a 35% increase in stroke risk and 17% in heart disease. INSS data from 2025 show over 4 million work absences, with 546,000 due to mental disorders, up 15% from the previous year. International experiences in Iceland, the UK, and Japan report productivity gains in over 90% of companies with reduced hours, per 4 Day Week Global and Microsoft Japan.
In Brazil, the average work week is 39.1 hours according to the ILO, but collective bargaining has not cut hours since 2017 reforms weakened constitutional protections. Women spend nine more unpaid domestic hours weekly, per the 2023 PNAD. A 2026 Nexus poll finds 63% to 73% of Brazilians support ending the 6x1 scale with salary maintenance, and 84% want at least two rest days.
Critics contend that Brazil's productivity of $17 per hour, versus over $70 in advanced economies, requires gains before cuts. Sectors like steelmaking and hospitals need specific scales, such as 12x36, unmet by general laws. A forced reduction would raise payrolls by 22%, potentially causing inflation, turnover, and unemployment. The Constitution sets 8 daily and 44 weekly hours, with reductions via collective negotiation. Experts propose delaying the vote to 2027 for decisions based on true convictions.
