Brazil’s Congress has approved a constitutional amendment to reduce the maximum working week to 40 hours, marking a significant victory for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. This move, which aims to improve the work-life balance for millions of workers, comes just ahead of the presidential runoff scheduled for October 25.
The amendment, passed overwhelmingly in the Senate with 75 votes in favor and one against, will affect more than 30 million workers. The reform is particularly beneficial for those in sectors like retail, restaurants, and hotels where six-day workweeks are common. The change will gradually reduce the maximum weekly working hours from 44 to 40, allowing employees more time for rest and personal activities.
Lula, a strong advocate for the reform, argues that it will enhance the quality of life for workers by allowing them more time with their families. The approval of this amendment could bolster his electoral campaign, especially among low-income workers who face long working hours and limited rest opportunities.
Initially opposed by far-right Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, Lula’s opponent in the presidential race, the proposal gained his support following a shift in public sentiment. Bolsonaro had warned that reducing work hours could lead to unemployment, but later changed his stance before the Senate vote.
The reform originated from a grassroots campaign advocating for a better balance between employment and personal life. Supporters believe that shorter working hours can improve both physical and mental well-being, providing greater opportunities for education and family care.
Labor researchers have highlighted the challenges faced by workers with only one day off per week, noting that such schedules can lead to exhaustion and limited social opportunities, particularly for women who also bear significant domestic responsibilities.
Although the Senate has approved the reform, it will not take effect immediately. A 60-day period will follow its formal promulgation, after which the maximum working week will initially drop to 42 hours before reaching 40 hours over a further 14 months. This legislative change arrives at a pivotal moment in Brazil’s presidential election campaign, offering Lula a chance to emphasize his commitment to workers’ rights and economic well-being.