In a significant legislative move, Brazil’s Congress has approved a constitutional amendment to reduce the maximum working week to 40 hours, setting a transformative precedent for the nation’s labor laws. This reform, which aims to enhance work-life balance, represents a major achievement for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as he prepares for the presidential runoff on October 25. The change is expected to positively impact over 30 million workers by reducing their weekly working hours and eliminating the prevalent six-day workweek.
The amendment, initially passed by the lower house in May, received substantial backing in the Senate, with 75 senators voting in favor and only one opposing. It is particularly aimed at sectors such as retail, restaurants, and hotels, where demanding six-day workweeks are common. Under the new system, the maximum weekly working hours will gradually decrease from 44 to 40, allowing employees more time for personal and family life.
President Lula, a strong advocate of the reform, has emphasized that workers deserve more time to spend with their families and enhance their quality of life. This legislative success could bolster his electoral campaign, especially among low-income workers accustomed to long working hours and minimal leisure time. Lula’s opponent, far-right senator Flávio Bolsonaro, initially resisted the proposal, citing concerns over potential unemployment. However, he shifted his stance before the Senate vote, acknowledging public support for the reform.
The proposal originated from a grassroots movement calling for a healthier balance between work and personal life, eventually gaining the backing of Lula’s political party. Proponents argue that reducing working hours can significantly improve workers’ physical and mental well-being, while also providing them with greater opportunities for education and family care. Labor researchers have highlighted the challenges faced by employees with only one day off per week, noting the risks of exhaustion, workplace hazards, and limited social interactions, especially for women who often manage disproportionate domestic responsibilities.
Despite its Senate approval, the reform will not be implemented immediately. Following its formal promulgation, there will be a 60-day period before the transition begins, during which the maximum working week will first decrease to 42 hours, eventually reaching 40 hours after an additional 14 months.
This development arrives at a crucial juncture in Brazil’s presidential election campaign. As the runoff approaches, the labor reform provides Lula with an opportunity to demonstrate his commitment to advancing workers’ rights and economic welfare in contrast to his competitor, Flávio Bolsonaro.