Brazil Approves 40-Hour Workweek Reform

Brazil’s Congress has approved a constitutional amendment that will reduce the standard working week from 44 to 40 hours and guarantee employees two days off each week without reducing their pay. The measure, which passed the lower house in May, was approved by the Senate on Wednesday by 75 votes to one. It is described as the biggest change to workers’ rights since Brazil returned to democracy in 1988 and is estimated to benefit more than 30 million people. The vote comes less than two weeks before the second round of Brazil’s presidential election. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who championed the measure, hopes its popularity will help him gain support against right-wing rival Flávio Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro, who had previously criticized the proposal as an opportunistic campaign measure, changed his position and voted in favour, saying most Brazilian workers wanted to end the six-day workweek. Lula called Bolsonaro’s reversal “electoral opportunism.” Public support for shortening the workweek appears strong: a nationwide poll found almost 70% of Brazilians backed the change. Supporters say two days off will give employees more time to rest and may improve productivity. Critics warn that increased production costs could ultimately lead to higher consumer prices. The reduction will be phased in. After a two-month grace period, the workweek will first fall to 42 hours, then later to 40 hours; the full change will take more than a year. Workers have welcomed the prospect of more time off. Luciana de Almeida, a supermarket cashier and single mother in Rio de Janeiro, said her current single day off is often taken up by domestic chores, leaving her little time with her three children. She described herself as physically and mentally tired and said the change would make a significant difference to her life.

Brazil's Senate has approved a constitutional amendment that would reduce the standard workweek from six days and 44 hours to five days and 40 hours, without cutting pay. The measure, known as the “6x1” reform, is expected to be signed into law by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva next week. Its passage gives Lula a significant legislative achievement just before the October 25 presidential runoff against right-wing senator Flavio Bolsonaro. The government estimates that the change could benefit more than 37 million workers, though freelancers, delivery drivers and others in the shadow economy would not be covered. Lula, a former trade unionist, promoted the proposal during the year and has presented it as a way to give workers more time for rest, family and personal life. The reform passed with broad support, including a recent reversal by Flavio Bolsonaro, who had previously opposed it. He said he would back the measure because it was popular, while continuing to argue that its timing was election-motivated. Businesses have opposed the proposal on the grounds that it would increase costs; Bolsonaro had previously favored allowing employers and workers to negotiate flexible pay arrangements. The vote comes amid an intense runoff campaign. In the first round, Bolsonaro received 47% of the vote, finishing ahead of Lula but short of the majority needed to win outright. Lula has also announced fuel-tax cuts, extended subsidies and pledged to forgive debts owed by more than 3.6 million small businesses. The campaign has been shaped by concerns about street crime, the influence of Evangelical churches, business taxes and economic dissatisfaction. The article frames the workweek change as both a labor-policy victory and a potentially important political boost for Lula, while noting the measure's limits and the opposition it has faced.

Brazil’s Congress has approved a constitutional amendment that will end six-day workweeks and reduce the maximum working week from 44 hours to 40. The measure could affect more than 30 million workers, particularly people in low-paid retail, restaurant and hotel jobs. It is expected to be phased in after Senate president Davi Alcolumbre promulgates it: the six-day schedule will be abolished after 60 days, the maximum week will first fall to 42 hours, and it will reach 40 hours 14 months later. The changes will not take effect before the presidential runoff on 25 October. The vote is a political win for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who has championed the reform while trying to overcome the first-round lead held by far-right senator Flávio Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro opposed the proposal for months, arguing it could cause mass unemployment, but changed position as polls showed broad public support. He joined 75 senators in approving it; former vice-president Hamilton Mourão was the sole opponent. Bolsonaro has nevertheless said he supports an alternative and reportedly told business leaders he would review parts of the amendment if elected. The proposal began as the TikTok-based “Life Beyond Work” movement, founded by a pharmacy assistant, before Lula’s party pressed for a Senate vote. Researchers say the change could help Lula with voters who are concerned about their working conditions and the economy. A University of Campinas researcher described the health, safety and exhaustion risks of having only one day off, particularly for women who also shoulder unpaid domestic work. Salvador saleswoman Lilian Cristo dos Santos said her only day off is consumed by housework and caring for her family. Lula has also campaigned through rallies, social media, debt relief for microentrepreneurs and outreach to evangelical Christians. Political scientist Victor Escobar said the election remained open, with Bolsonaro still holding some advantage, but that Lula’s recent moves could influence undecided or more responsive voters.