Brazil’s lower house approved a constitutional amendment setting a 40-hour, five-day workweek. The change ends the current six-day workweek that totals 44 hours, while maintaining pay for at least 37 million workers. The amendment guarantees two consecutive 24-hour rest days each week, preferably on Saturdays and Sundays. Support is strong ahead of October presidential elections, with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva sponsoring and promoting the measure. Labor rights groups praise the reform, while business leaders criticize it. Businesses receive 14 months to adapt, following negotiations that sought a gradual transition over a longer period. Some lawmakers warn companies may reduce hiring if the change is implemented too quickly.
"Currently, Brazilians work five eight-hour days and four hours on a sixth day for 44 hours total. The amendment ends the six-day workweek without reducing pay for at least 37 million people and establishes a 40-hour weekly work limit. It guarantees two consecutive 24-hour rest days each week, preferably Saturdays and Sundays."
"“People who have this workweek from Monday to Saturday are the ones that have to work the hardest and are paid the least,” lawmaker Paulo Pimenta, Brazil's government whip in the lower house, told his peers as they voted. “We need to be brave and do justice.”"
"“I don't care this is an election year. I think we need to be responsible. This will be a problem for many companies,” lawmaker Kim Kataguiri said. “We are doing this in a rush and workers should know they might end up worse than they are now if business leaders stop hiring.”"
"The amendment gives businesses 14 months to adapt, which was a key point in negotiations. Many business leaders and lawmakers wanted the changes to be made gradually over 10 years. “This was built with a lot of responsibility, thinking about workers and families in Brazil,” said lawmaker Leo Prates, who drafted the amendment in the lower house. “We need to accomplish this for the Brazilian people.”"
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