Brazil's Congress has passed a constitutional amendment to cut the maximum workweek, eventually reaching 40 hours. This change could affect up to 30 million workers. It's a political win for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as he prepares for a presidential runoff against far-right senator Flávio Bolsonaro.
Lula, a longtime supporter of the amendment, is looking to overturn Bolsonaro's lead from the first round. The amendment, which eliminates six-day workweeks, initially faced opposition from Bolsonaro. But on Tuesday, he changed his stance, acknowledging the strong support it has among Brazilian workers. By Wednesday, he joined 75 senators in voting for the reform, which had already cleared the lower house in May. Only Senator Hamilton Mourão, a former vice-president, voted against it.
The amendment will mainly impact workers in retail, restaurants, and hotels, many of whom earn low wages. This group represents a crucial part of Lula's lost support since the 2022 election when he defeated Jair Bolsonaro, Flávio's father. Lula hailed the amendment's approval, stressing that it offers more than just a change in working hours. He pointed to the benefits of having more personal time for family and self-care.
The proposal has its roots in a TikTok movement called Life Beyond Work, started by a pharmacy assistant who moved into politics. Lula's party played a key role in pushing for a Senate vote, especially after the far-right's recent electoral gains put its passage at risk. Despite initial resistance, Senate President Davi Alcolumbre brought it to a vote, swayed by polls showing over 70% public approval.
Bolsonaro initially warned of possible mass unemployment, a concern echoed by employers' groups. But he later suggested an alternative plan where pay would align with actual hours worked. He assured business leaders that, if elected, he would revisit parts of the new amendment.
Even with its passage, the amendment’s changes won't take effect before the October 25 runoff. After the Senate president promulgates it, there will be a 60-day period before eliminating six-day workweeks. The maximum workweek will reduce from 44 to 42 hours, eventually reaching 40 hours after 14 months.
Political analyst Victor Escobar believes the amendment could boost Lula's re-election bid by addressing voters' economic concerns. Meanwhile, Marilane Oliveira Teixeira, a researcher at the University of Campinas, emphasized the adverse effects of the current 6x1 schedule, especially for women with unpaid domestic duties.
Lilian Cristo dos Santos, a saleswoman in Salvador, Bahia, shared her struggles with the current work schedule, expressing a wish for more personal time. She noted that while she supports Lula, some of her colleagues back Bolsonaro, seeing him as a change advocate, though not necessarily for the better.
Escobar noted that Lula's momentum isn't just from the workweek change. Large demonstrations by his supporters and efforts to boost his social media presence have also played a role. Lula has announced initiatives like debt relief for microentrepreneurs and has reached out to evangelical Christians, a group traditionally loyal to Bolsonaro, by promising two days off a week.
While the election remains undecided, with Bolsonaro holding a slight edge, Lula's strategic moves aim to win over undecided voters. Escobar commented on the election dynamics, noting that some voters are more responsive to political moves, and Lula has been trying very strongly to reach them.
