Brazil Approves Amendment for 40-Hour Workweek Ahead of Elections

Brazil's lower house has approved a constitutional amendment to implement a 40-hour, five-day workweek. This decision comes ahead of the presidential elections and aims to improve labor conditions. The amendment, backed by President Lula, is popular among workers but faces criticism from parts of the business sector.

Brazil's lower house has taken a significant step by approving a constitutional amendment to introduce a 40-hour workweek, aligning with similar shifts across Latin America. The move, sponsored by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has garnered support for its potential to improve labor conditions, particularly as the October presidential election approaches.

Currently, the Brazilian workforce follows a six-day work schedule amounting to 44 hours. The latest amendment promises at least 37 million people a new schedule without pay cuts. Although widely supported by labor rights groups, it has sparked concerns among business leaders, with some lawmakers fearing business downturns.

Opposition figures supported the measure under constituent pressure, though some criticize the swift changes. Companies have a 14-month transition period to adapt to the new norms, a compromise from initial suggestions for a decade-long change. The amendment now awaits the Senate's decision, where potential revisions could occur.

Brazil's labor reforms reflect a regional trend, with countries like Mexico and Chile making similar changes. Meanwhile, Argentina takes a divergent path, extending work hours under recent reforms, reflecting contrasting approaches within the continent.