In brief
Brazil’s Senate has enacted a constitutional amendment that trims the legal workweek from 44 to 40 hours, preserving salaries while adding two unpaid days off. The measure, hailed by unions and President Lula, could benefit over 30 million workers and marks the biggest labour rights overhaul since 1988. It arrives just before the October 25 runoff, with Lula hoping the reform will shore up his support against Flávio Bolsonaro. While opponents caution that production costs may rise, supporters argue better‑rested workers will boost productivity.
Brazil’s Congress Passes 40‑Hour Workweek Amendment
In a historic shift for labour rights, Brazil’s Senate approved a constitutional amendment that will cut the legal working week from 44 to 40 hours, giving employees two unpaid days off while keeping salaries intact.
The decision—backed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and supported by a broad coalition of unions—could benefit more than 30 million workers and is seen as one of the most significant changes to Brazilian labour law since its return to democracy in 1988.
Lula’s endorsement of the measure is seen as a strategic move ahead of the October 25 presidential runoff, where the measure’s popularity may tip voters in his favor against right-wing rival Flávio Bolsonaro.
Flávio Bolsonaro, who once called the amendment “opportunistic,” voted in favor after a public statement, testing the ability of the reform to cross partisan lines in a contentious election environment.
Critics warn that the change could raise production costs and consumer prices, while supporters argue that better-rested workers will boost productivity during the remaining hours of the workday.
