Brazil Senate committee set to vote on ending 6x1 work shift

Brazil's Senate is nearing a decision on a constitutional amendment that would abolish the 6x1 work shift, a schedule requiring employees to work six days before having one day off.

Senator Omar Aziz, from the Social Democratic Party of Amazonas, released his report on the proposal on Thursday. He has aligned with the government's stance, preserving the text previously approved by the Chamber of Deputies in May. This move positions the amendment for a crucial vote in the Senate's Constitution and Justice Committee next Wednesday.

The administration of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is reportedly pushing for the swift passage of this amendment. The goal is to finalize the end of the 6x1 scale before the upcoming elections, allowing the government to potentially use the issue as a campaign talking point. Any significant alteration by the Senate would necessitate the bill's return to the Chamber of Deputies, complicating its enactment before the election.

Congress has a limited window for legislative activity, with only one week remaining between August 31 and September 4 before the October elections. The urgency reflects a strategic effort to address labor regulations ahead of the electoral period.