Brazil Senate Approves 40-Hour Workweek Ahead of Presidential Runoff

Brazil's Senate has approved a constitutional amendment to shorten the standard workweek to a maximum of 40 hours. This legislative move, which could impact up to 30 million workers, represents a significant political win for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as he campaigns for the upcoming presidential runoff election.

The amendment, which effectively bans six-day workweeks, was a key proposal championed by Lula in his bid to overturn the first-round lead secured by his opponent, far-right senator Flávio Bolsonaro. The passage of this bill provides Lula with a tangible legislative achievement to present to voters in the final weeks before the election.