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Brazil Passes Historic 40-Hour Workweek Reform Benefiting Millions
M
Moneycontrol•17-10-2026, 08:47
Brazil Passes Historic 40-Hour Workweek Reform Benefiting Millions
- •Brazil Congress approved a constitutional amendment reducing maximum weekly working hours from 44 to 40.
- •The reform guarantees two days off per week without any salary cuts, benefiting over 30 million workers.
- •The reduction in working hours will be phased in gradually, starting at 42 hours before dropping to 40 a year later.
- •The change has become a major political issue ahead of the presidential run-off between President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Flávio Bolsonaro.
- •Public support is strong, with a nationwide survey showing nearly 70 percent of Brazilians favor the shorter working week.
Key Questions Answered
Brazil's Congress approved a constitutional amendment reducing the maximum weekly working hours from 44 to 40 while guaranteeing two days off without any salary cuts.
The reduction in working hours will be phased in gradually. After an initial two-month period, the maximum working week will decrease to 42 hours before dropping down to 40 hours a year later.
The upcoming presidential run-off features incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and right-wing challenger Flávio Bolsonaro.
