Brazil cuts work week to 40 hours in win for Lula ahead of runoff
Congress approves constitutional amendment that bans six-day workweeks, which could effect up to 30 million
TL;DR
- Brazil's congress approved a constitutional amendment to shorten the work week to a maximum of 40 hours.
- The amendment bans six-day workweeks and will affect over 30 million workers.
- This legislative achievement is considered a political win for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva before the presidential runoff.
- The proposal originated from a TikTok movement called "Life Beyond Work" and was later embraced by Lula.
- Opponents, including far-right senator Flávio Bolsonaro, eventually supported the reform due to public opinion.
- The changes will take effect after a 60-day period, with further reductions to the maximum working week over the following 14 months.
- Experts suggest the amendment could benefit Lula's re-election campaign by appealing to voters' economic sentiments.
- The reform addresses concerns about the negative impacts of short weekends on workers' social lives, health, and well-being.