Brazil’s Senate Proposes Tax Exemption for Military While Delaying Reform of 6x1 Work Schedule

The Brazilian Senate is advancing a proposal to exempt members of the Armed Forces—including the Air Force, Navy, and Army—as well as Military Police and Military Firefighters from income tax, regardless of rank, position, or income level. The exemption does not apply to non-military income such as rental earnings, civilian side jobs, or pensions.

Introduced on May 21, the bill has already passed the amendment period. Only one amendment has been filed, by Senator Izalci Lucas (PL-DF), proposing to extend the tax exemption to the Civil Police of the Federal District. The proposal is currently under review by the Senate’s Secretary-General office before being sent to committees.

While the tax exemption moves forward, Senate President Davi Alcolumbre has delayed the progress of legislation that would reduce the six-to-one (6x1) work schedule—a system requiring six consecutive workdays followed by one rest day. Instead, Alcolumbre has opened the floor to an alternative constitutional amendment (PEC) supported by right-wing parties that preserves the current 6x1 schedule and allows hourly contracting.

Critics argue that the Senate’s actions favor the interests of large corporations, including segments represented by Fiesp and CNI, as well as major retail, supermarket, telemarketing, restaurant, cleaning, and security firms—sectors that profit from extended work hours and low wages. Opponents also claim that the tax exemption for military personnel strengthens the political influence of security forces at a time when social rights and labor protections are being contested.

Advocates for labor reform emphasize that ending the 6x1 schedule without wage cuts requires broad public mobilisation, not just backroom negotiations. They call for workers to organize through unions, workplaces, schools, and communities to pressure the Senate to prioritize fairer working conditions over tax breaks for security forces.