In brief
The Brazilian Senate approved a constitutional amendment shortening the working week to 40 hours, preserving salaries. This landmark labor reform, championed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, is expected to benefit over 30 million workers and could sway the pending presidential runoff. The measure, earlier passed by the Chamber, now enjoys broad support—including a surprise vote from Flávio Bolsonaro. Critics warn of higher production costs, while supporters cite improved worker wellbeing and productivity. The change will roll out in stages, becoming fully effective over the next year.
Brazil’s Congress has approved a sweeping overhaul of workers’ rights, cutting the legal working week from 44 to 40 hours while keeping salaries unchanged.
The constitutional amendment, championed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, comes just weeks before a second‑round presidential election, and could tip the balance in the runoff between Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro.
The University of Brasília estimates more than 30 million workers will benefit, while polls show nearly 70 % of Brazilians support the change. The measure had already cleared the Chamber of Deputies in May, and Senate approval was a landslide: 75 votes to one, with Bolsonaro himself voting “yes” after a previously public opposition.
Opponents warn that a shorter week could raise production costs and pass to consumers as higher prices, but supporters argue that two days of rest will boost workers’ health and productivity in the hours they do work.
The transition will occur in phases – a 42‑hour week after a 2‑month grace period, then 40 hours later. Critics say the rollout will take more than a year to complete, but many workers celebrate the move as a welcome change to work‑life balance.
By Vanessa Buschschlüter, Mariana Schreiber & Vitor Tavares, BBC News Brasil.
