Brazil’s Congress approves shorter working week in win for Lula

Brazil's Congress has voted to reduce the standard workweek from 44 hours to 40 hours, granting employees two days off without a paycut. This marks the most significant change to workers' rights since democracy was reinstated in 1988. The amendment, championed by left-wing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, was approved by senators just days before the second round of Brazil's presidential election.

Lula's supporters believe the move, which could benefit over 30 million workers, will help him narrow the gap with right-wing rival Jair Bolsonaro, who won the first round with 47% of the vote. The measure is widely popular, with a nationwide poll showing 70% of Brazilians backing it. Bolsonaro, now a senator himself, initially opposed the change but later reversed his stance, citing the measure's widespread support.

He argued that it should be a decision between employers and employees, not dictated by constitutional amendments. Lula dismissed Bolsonaro's shift as "electoral opportunism." While critics warn that the shorter workweek could increase production costs and consumer prices, proponents argue that it will lead to better-rested workers and increased productivity.

The transition to the new schedule will occur gradually, with the workweek first reduced to 42 hours after a two-month transitional period, followed by the eventual 40-hour workweek.