Brazil's Congress has just passed a constitutional amendment that will gradually cut the working week from 44 hours to 40. This change also ensures employees get two days off each week without losing pay. It's a major shift in workers' rights, perhaps the most significant since Brazil's return to democracy in 1988. The timing is key — it comes right before a crucial presidential run-off election.
This amendment has been a priority for left-wing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. More than 30 million workers are expected to benefit from this shift. Lula's camp is banking on this legislative win to boost his chances against his right-wing opponent, Flávio Bolsonaro, in the run-off set for October 25. The first round of the election saw Bolsonaro, who is the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, leading with 47% of the vote. Lula was just behind with 45.2%. Neither managed to get the 50% needed to win outright.
Public sentiment is on Lula's side, with opinion polls showing nearly 70% of Brazilians support the measure. The proposal had already cleared the Chamber of Deputies back in May, and the Senate gave it overwhelming backing, voting 75 to one. Interestingly, Flávio Bolsonaro, who is a senator, reversed his stance and voted in favor. The popularity of the measure among workers prompted his change of heart.
Bolsonaro had earlier slammed the proposal, calling it an opportunistic ploy by Lula to attract working-class voters. He argued that work hours should be negotiated directly between employees and employers, not set by constitutional law. But he changed his tune on Tuesday, acknowledging the widespread demand for ending the six-day workweek.
Lula was quick to celebrate the amendment's passage, brushing off Bolsonaro's policy shift as mere “electoral opportunism.” He stressed the positive impact this change would have on workers' lives. More personal time for family, rest, and leisure — these were the benefits Lula highlighted.
Opponents of the amendment warn it might hike production costs, potentially leading to higher prices for consumers. Supporters counter that a shorter workweek will lead to better-rested and more productive employees.
The transition to the new working hours will be gradual. Initially, the workweek will drop to 42 hours after a two-month grace period, then eventually down to 40 hours. This full changeover will take more than a year, but many are already celebrating.
One person eagerly anticipating the new schedule is Luciana de Almeida, a 36-year-old cashier from Rio de Janeiro. She currently works six days a week and believes the change will greatly improve her quality of life. As a single mother of three, Almeida spends her lone day off on household chores, leaving little room for rest or family time. “My body, and my mind in particular, are very tired, ” she said. “I need time with my daughters, have some leisure time, or even just some time resting at home.”
