Brazil’s Congress has approved a constitutional amendment to reduce the maximum workweek from 44 to 40 hours, marking a significant triumph for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva ahead of the presidential runoff on October 25. This reform, which is expected to benefit more than 30 million workers, aims to improve work-life balance, particularly for those in sectors like retail, restaurants, and hotels, where six-day workweeks are common.
The Senate voted overwhelmingly in favor of the amendment, with 75 senators supporting it and only one opposing. The measure, which had previously passed the lower house in May, will gradually cut the maximum weekly working hours, initially reducing them to 42 hours before reaching 40 hours after a 14-month transition period. Supporters of the reform argue that it will enhance workers’ physical and mental well-being, giving them more time for rest, family responsibilities, and personal development.
President Lula has been a strong advocate for the change, emphasizing the need for workers to have more time with their families and to improve their quality of life. The approval of this reform could bolster his electoral campaign, especially among low-income workers who endure long hours and have limited opportunities for rest. Lula’s opponent, far-right Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, had initially opposed the proposal, citing potential unemployment concerns, but shifted his stance before the Senate vote due to public support for the reform.
The amendment originated from a grassroots campaign focused on better balancing employment with personal life, eventually gaining backing from Lula’s political party. Labor researchers highlight that the current six-day workweek leaves many employees with only one day off, contributing to exhaustion, workplace risks, and limited social opportunities, particularly for women who also bear significant unpaid domestic responsibilities.
Although the Senate has approved the reform, it will not take immediate effect. After its formal promulgation, there will be a 60-day period before the transition begins. This decision comes at a pivotal moment in Brazil’s presidential election campaign, providing Lula an opportunity to showcase progress on improving workers’ rights and economic well-being as he competes against Flávio Bolsonaro.