Brazil Senate approves 40-hour workweek bill ahead of Lula runoff

AI-generated briefing · First published 2026-10-15 03:35:53 UTC

Senate passes constitutional amendment cutting workweek to 40 hours, a win for President Lula days before the October 25 runoff against Flávio Bolsonaro.

Brazil’s Senate approved a constitutional amendment reducing the maximum workweek from 44 to 40 hours and ending six-day schedules, handing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva a legislative victory ahead of the October 25 presidential runoff against Flávio Bolsonaro. [1] [2] [3] [4]

The measure, which passed 75-1, could affect more than 30 million workers and will take effect after a 60-day period following promulgation, with full implementation phased over 14 months. [2] [4]

Lula hailed the reform as giving workers “more time to live”; Bolsonaro, who had opposed it, reversed course and voted in favor after polls showed broad public support. [2] [4]

Sources

1. Brazil Election: Senate Approves Bill to Shorten Workweek in Boost to Lula

   Bloomberg · 2026-10-15 01:20:30 UTC · Summary only

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

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

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

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

4. 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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