Brazil News: Senate Approves Constitutional Amendment for 40 Hour Work Week Ahead of Presidential Runoff Between Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro

Brazil News: The Senate of Brazil has passed an amendment that would shorten the country’s work week to 40 hours, without any pay cut. The reform was championed by incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who hailed it as a majority. The reform comes just 2 weeks ahead of a runoff between Lula and  Flávio Bolsonaro.  

Brazil News: Senate Shortens Work Week to 40 Hours 

The Senate passed the constitutional amendment by a decisive majority, with 75 senators casting votes in favour and just one opposed. The proposal had already cleared Brazil’s lower house in May, removing another significant obstacle on the path to reforming working conditions in Latin America’s biggest economy.

The amendment cuts the maximum working week from 44 hours (6 days) to 40 hours (5 days) and sets a five-day working schedule, giving workers two days off while keeping their pay unchanged. The reform takes aim at the commonly used six-days-on, one-day-off pattern, especially in areas such as retail, restaurants and hospitality.

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Brazil News: Approval Presents Major Win for President Lula 

This approval marks a major legislative win for Lula, who has been a strong advocate of cutting working hours and enhancing workers’ quality of life. As the presidential runoff on October 25 draws near, the reform offers the incumbent a chance to showcase his government’s labour policies.