Brazil Senate Approves 6x1 Work Schedule End; Restaurants See 20% Payroll Rise

Brazil's Senate approved PEC 221/2019, ending the 6x1 work schedule and reducing maximum weekly hours from 44 to 42, with two rest days. Abrasel estimates a 20% payroll increase for restaurants maintaining six-day operations, likely passing through as 7-8% menu price hikes. The change, now heading to promulgation, introduces labor-cost pressures for the hospitality sector and potential inflationary effects on food services.