Brazil cuts maximum work week to 40 hours in boost for Lula before runoff

Why This Matters

• More than 30 million Brazilian workers will see their maximum work week cut from 44 to 40 hours, while 16 million who currently work six-day weeks gain an extra day off.
• The vote hands Lula a popular victory weeks before the runoff, potentially helping him recover support among low-paid workers who shifted away from him.
• The constitutional change resets Brazil’s national labour standard in a large emerging economy, with effects likely to be felt most in retail, hospitality and hotels.

Background

Brazil’s working week had a constitutional ceiling of 44 hours. Changing that required a constitutional amendment, which needs broad congressional support: the lower house passed the measure in May and the Senate approved it with a large majority this week. Lula, a leftist, made the shorter week a central campaign theme as he tries to overturn Flávio Bolsonaro’s first-round lead. The timing of the vote, just under two weeks before the runoff, underscores its political stakes.

Key Perspectives

President Lula: Championed the amendment and now claims a clear political victory, positioning himself as the defender of workers’ rights ahead of the runoff. Flávio Bolsonaro: Opposed the change for months before reversing course on Tuesday, saying most Brazilian workers supported it. He voted with the Senate majority, a move that may undercut Lula’s attempt to own the issue. Hamilton Mourão: The former vice-president was the only senator to vote against, signalling continued resistance on the right to the measure’s cost to employers.

What to Watch

• The presidential runoff in under two weeks, and whether low-paid workers reward Lula for the change or credit Bolsonaro for backing it late.
• How employers in retail, restaurants and hotels adapt to the shorter limit and the ban on six-day rosters.
• Whether the reversal creates friction between Flávio Bolsonaro and the more conservative wing of his base.