The end of the 6×1 work schedule became one of the main topics under debate in the National Congress and among pre-candidates for the Presidency of the Republic for 2026, revealing divergent positions on the issue.
President Lula (PT) was in favor of changing the work schedule and sent an urgent bill to Congress, proposing (five days of work and two days of rest) and a shift from 44 to 40 hours. However, according to information from anchor Débora Bergamasco, in CNN 360°the government’s position was not always this.
At the beginning of 2025, when the topic gained traction on social media after a post by congresswoman Erika Hilton (PSOL-SP) about a pharmacy employee, members of the group indicated that they did not want to get involved in the discussion, considering it a matter for Congress. The change in stance occurred recently, coinciding with the election year and growing popular support for the proposal.
Opposition and indecision among pre-candidates
In contrast to Lula’s position, the former governor of Minas Gerais, Romeu Zema (Novo), and the former governor of Goiás, Ronaldo Caiado (PSD), expressed their opposition to the proposal in its current form. Both criticize the lack of broader debate on the topic and argue that all sectors need to be heard. They argue that the issue should be treated as an agreement between employer and employee, and not as a mandatory imposition.
Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL) adopts a more cautious stance. Initially, he expressed concerns about possible negative impacts for entrepreneurs and the risk of increased unemployment. Currently, however, he avoids speaking publicly on the subject. According to the investigation, Flávio claims he is not following the discussion closely because he is involved in pre-campaign activities. The senator states that he will only form his definitive opinion and take a position when the issue reaches the Federal Senate, where he will be able to study the text and then cast his vote.
The topic is considered politically sensitive, especially in an election year. As Ronaldo Caiado observed in an interview with CNNit is difficult for a parliamentarian to take a stance against a proposal that extends workers’ rest, which makes the debate even more complex for pre-candidates who need to balance political positions and popular appeal.
