Brazil’s Senate approves a shorter workweek in major win for Lula ahead of runoff
The change would end Brazil’s six-day workweek and give workers two paid rest days, with no salary cut, lawmakers said.
- On Tuesday, conservative Senator and presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro reversed his long-standing opposition, voting in favor of a constitutional amendment to end Brazil's 6-day work week.
- To avoid handing a political win to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Bolsonaro adjusted his stance to broaden electoral appeal among working-class voters before the October 25 runoff.
- Government estimates suggest more than 37 million workers could benefit from the new rules, which reduce the weekly work cap from 44 to 40 hours while guaranteeing two paid rest days.
- Senate approval on Wednesday followed claims by Lula that 'societal pressure' forced the shift, though business groups warn the change could increase costs and disrupt labor markets.
- Once promulgated, businesses have 14 months to adopt the shorter workweek. The reform remains pivotal ahead of the October 25 runoff, which will shape Brazil's economic policy.
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218 Articles
The measure sets two days of paid rest instead of one as at present and reduces the limit of weekly hours worked from 44 to 40 hours
Flávio Bolsonaro, the favourite for the second round, changed his vote at the last moment to support the measure. More information: Three of the five candidates defeated in the first round in Brazil announce their support for Bolsonaro
Proposal, popularly called the "end of the 6x1 scale", i.e., five days of work and two days of rest, was approved in two shifts in the Senate in the same plenary session and now goes the promulgation.
The reform reduces the number of hours from 44 to 40 and the number of working days per week from six to five. Left-wing president Lula hopes that it will allow him to return to the presidential office.
In Brazil, the Parliament approved the reduction in working time, a measure promised by left-wing President Lula, candidate for his re-election. The outgoing Head of State is relying on this constitutional reform to fill his delay on Senator Flavio Bolsonaro in view of the second round scheduled for 25 October. This reform will allow many Brazilians to enjoy two days' rest in the week against only one currently, and to reduce the number of hours…
The Brazilian Senate has approved constitutional changes that will shorten the working week from 44 hours to a maximum of 40. It is a major political victory for the current leftist president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva before the second round of presidential elections.
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