President declares that reducing weekly working hours is a victory “especially for women”; text goes to the Senate for analysis
The president (PT) used his Instagram profile, on Wednesday (May 27, 2026), to state that the Chamber’s proposal for an Amendment to the Constitution that changes the work schedule from 6 X 1 to 5 X 2 and reduces the weekly working day from 44 hours to 40 hours is a “historical and civilizational achievement”. The text now goes to the Senate for analysis.
“More than hours on the clock, we are giving workers back their right to live with their family. To rest. To life beyond work. The two weekly days off mean more time to study, have fun, take care of your health and watch your children grow”wrote Lula in .
The was approved in the 1st round by 472 votes in favor and 22 against and, in the 2nd round, by 461 votes in favor and 19 against. At least 308 votes in favor were needed in each round to approve.
In the post, the president stated the following: “It is a victory above all for women who, historically and unfairly, face a superior, unequal journey. A measure that was only possible thanks to the immense mobilization of society”.
The end of the 6 x 1 scale was embraced by Lula as one of the main measures to be presented as an asset in his re-election campaign.
The final text of the rapporteur, deputy (Republicanos-BA), was approved by Lula on Monday (May 25). The president of the Chamber of Deputies, (Republicanos-PB), the version that would be presented to congressmen hours later in the special committee that analyzed the proposal before it reached the plenary. The government wanted immediate implementation and there was resistance from the productive sector. Planalto, however, managed to make the transition period 60 days, in time to come into force before the October elections.
“I thank President Hugo Motta and also the decisive support of the parliamentarians who built a large majority in the Chamber. The proposal now goes to the Senate. We will continue working intensely for its definitive approval”declared Lula.
UNDERSTAND THE PROPOSAL
The implementation of 40 hours will not be done immediately. The schedule establishes that, 60 days after publication of the amendment, the maximum allowed working hours will fall from 44 hours to 42 hours per week.
The 40 hours per week will become valid 14 months after the publication of the proposal. However, the right to 2 days off, one of which is preferably on Sundays, comes into force immediately after the initial period of 60 days of enactment, regardless of the hours limit.
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