‘More time to live’: Brazil moves to cut the workweek to 40 hours without reducing pay for millions of workers

Brazil's Senate recently approved a constitutional amendment that will reduce the maximum workweek from 44 to 40 hours, without resulting in a reduction of pay for over 37 million workers. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who supports the measure, hopes it will boost his chances in the upcoming presidential runoff election against Flávio Bolsonaro.

The amendment, which received approval in two rounds of voting with a vote count of 75 to 1, gives businesses a 14-month transition period to adapt. The Senate, which initially opposed the measure, backed down due to Flávio Bolsonaro's opposition. Lula has promised more time for workers to rest, spend with family, and pursue personal interests, while many business leaders initially wanted the transition to occur over a longer period.

The amendment establishes a 40-hour workweek limit and two rest days without reducing pay. The decision comes as part of a series of moves by Lula's government to boost support ahead of the election, including fuel tax cuts, subsidy extensions, and increased welfare payments.