Brazil Senate approves 40-hour workweek amendment ahead of runoff

AI-generated briefing · First published 2026-10-15 03:35:48 UTC

Congress passed a constitutional amendment cutting the workweek from 44 to 40 hours, a win for President Lula before the 25 October runoff against Flávio Bolsonaro.

Brazil’s Senate approved a constitutional amendment on 14 October that shortens the maximum workweek from 44 to 40 hours and ends six-day schedules, affecting up to 37 million workers. The measure passed with 75 votes and only one against, handing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva a legislative victory days before the 25 October presidential runoff against far-right candidate Flávio Bolsonaro. [1] [2] [3]

Lula championed the reform, writing that ending the 6x1 schedule gives workers “more time to live, rest, be with family.” Bolsonaro, who had opposed the bill for months, reversed course on Tuesday and voted in favour after polls showed more than 70% public support. [1] [3]

Sources

1. Brazil cuts work week to 40 hours in win for Lula ahead of runoff

   The Guardian · 2026-10-15 02:45:42 UTC · Excerpt

2. Brazil abolishes six-day workweek in win for Lula

   Financial Times · 2026-10-15 03:01:07 UTC · Summary only

3. Brazil to shorten workweek in win for Lula ahead of runoff

   DW English · 2026-10-15 03:29:00 UTC · Full text

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