Brazil Bank Strike Shuts Branches as the Six-Day Week Bill Advances
Bank workers across Brazil stopped for 24 hours on August 20 over pay, while the constitutional amendment ending the 6x1 six-day week finally moved to a Senate committee. The post Brazil Bank Strike Shuts Branches as the Six-Day Week Bill Advances appeared first on The Rio Times .
On Thursday, August 20, 2026, Brazilian banks shut their branch counters across the country in a 24-hour warning strike. Workers turned down the banks' pay offer, with unions demanding a 5% real raise and better meal allowances. Despite the stoppage, cash machines, apps and PIX transfers continued operating. Banks and unions agreed digital banking would remain functional, as it would not affect bill due dates.
The six-day week bill, PEC 221/2019, which reduces the working week from 44 hours to 40, is now in the Senate for review. The change would replace six days on and one day off with five days on and two paid days off, without reducing wages. The amendment passed through the Senate and is set to begin within 60 days of promulgation.
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