Brazil’s Congress has passed a constitutional amendment to reduce the maximum workweek from 44 to 40 hours, marking a notable achievement for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva ahead of the presidential runoff set for October 25. This reform, which promises to benefit more than 30 million workers by decreasing work hours and eliminating the six-day workweek, represents a significant shift in the nation’s labor policies.
The amendment, having cleared the lower house in May, received robust support in the Senate, with a vote of 75 to 1. The initiative aims to enhance work-life balance, particularly for employees in sectors like retail, restaurants, and hotels, where six-day schedules are prevalent. Currently, many Brazilian workers endure a six-day workweek with only a single day off. The new legislation will gradually reduce the workweek, initially to 42 hours, before settling at 40 hours over a 14-month transition period.
President Lula has been a staunch advocate of the reform, emphasizing the need for workers to have more time for family and personal activities, which he argues will improve their quality of life. This legislative victory could bolster his campaign, particularly among low-income workers who commonly face long hours and limited rest.
Flávio Bolsonaro, Lula’s opponent in the upcoming election, initially opposed the amendment, citing potential increases in unemployment. However, he shifted his stance before the Senate vote, acknowledging public support for the reform. The proposal originated from a grassroots campaign that highlighted the need for better balance between work and personal life, eventually gaining traction within Lula’s political party.
Supporters of the reform argue that reducing work hours could improve both the physical and mental well-being of workers, offering more opportunities for education and family care. Labor researchers have pointed out that the existing schedule contributes to exhaustion, workplace risks, and limited social opportunities, particularly affecting women who bear significant unpaid domestic responsibilities.
Although the Senate’s approval is a crucial step, the reform will not be implemented immediately. A 60-day period will follow its formal promulgation before the transition phase begins. This legislative progress comes at a pivotal moment in Brazil’s presidential election campaign, allowing Lula to showcase advancements in workers’ rights and economic welfare as he prepares to face Flávio Bolsonaro in the runoff.