Constitutional Change Ends 6x1 and Phases Weekly Workweek Down to 40 Hours in Rio

Overview

• The constitutional amendment now reported will eliminate the 6x1 shift pattern and cut the legal weekly ceiling from 44 to 42 hours after the transition window then to 40 hours at the end of the phase‑in.
• Sebrae-RJ analysis using RAIS 2025 data estimates roughly 2.6 million employed people in the state of Rio de Janeiro, or 72.7% of celetistas, work above 40 hours and would be directly affected.
• The change falls hardest on young, less‑educated and Black or pardo workers and concentrates in hotels, retail and construction, with many roles in small businesses and very small establishments.
• Sebrae-RJ warns micro and small firms face added payroll and cash‑flow pressure and recommends using the transition period to redesign shifts, plan liquidity, hire selectively and adjust prices and sales channels.
• Average pay for workers now on long hours is far lower than for 40‑hour contracts, which raises equity concerns and means the shift will change daily schedules for many employees even when their weekends are already free.