Brazil’s Senate approves shorter workweek in win for Lula

Brazil's Senate has approved a constitutional amendment to reduce the country's workweek from six days to five, marking a significant victory for President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as he prepares for his re-election bid just two weeks before the presidential runoff. The popular labor reform, which lowers working hours to 40 per week from 44, received approval from lawmakers across the political spectrum, including Bolsonaro, who had previously opposed the measure.

The amendment, which took effect after receiving approval from the lower house in May, benefits more than 37 million formal-sector workers over a 14-month period. The government estimates that the new rules will improve the lives of workers by providing them with more time to rest, spend with family, and enjoy leisure activities.

Lula, seeking a fourth non-consecutive term, and his government have strongly supported the measure, while Bolsonaro and his Liberal Party had initially opposed it, claiming it was a strategic move to boost Lula's reelection prospects. In a recent post on social media, Lula described the amendment as a victory for workers, emphasizing the additional time for personal growth and family time.