Brazil Legislature Approves Shorter Workweek Ahead of Election Runoff

Brazil's legislature overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment on Wednesday to reduce the country's workweek from 44 to 40 hours without a salary cut, a move championed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

The amendment, projected to benefit more than 37 million workers, establishes a 40-hour weekly limit and two rest days, with businesses given 14 months to adopt the change. Lula celebrated the passage as a historic achievement for millions of workers, stating it provides more time to live, rest, be with family, be with children as they grow, take care of yourself, and enjoy life.

The vote occurred less than two weeks before the October 25 presidential runoff, in which Lula faces Senator Flávio Bolsonaro. The shortened workweek is expected to primarily affect workers in retail, restaurants, and hotels, a demographic where Lula lost support since the 2022 election. Flávio Bolsonaro, who had previously opposed the initiative, reversed his stance and voted in favor, citing the measure's popularity.

The Senate approved the amendment with a vote of 75 to 1, with former Vice President Hamilton Mourao casting the sole dissenting vote. Lula is expected to sign the measure into law next week. The amendment represents an overhaul to workers' rights, marking the biggest change since Brazil's return to democracy in 1988. While the measure has broad popular support, some in the shadow economy, such as freelancers and delivery drivers, may not benefit.