Brazilian Senate Shortens Weekly Working Hours

The Brazilian Senate has approved a constitutional amendment affecting millions of workers, reducing the maximum weekly working hours from 44 to 40. The decision does not involve any wage cuts while granting businesses a 14-month transition period to adapt to the new regulation.

Historic Change in Working Hours

In the vote held in the Brazilian Senate, the constitutional amendment reducing weekly working hours from 44 to 40 was approved in both rounds with a vote of 75 to 1. The single dissenting vote came from former Vice President Hamilton Mourao.

Regulation Covering Millions of Workers

According to government data, more than 37 million workers in the country will benefit from this new legal regulation, which stipulates that there will be no reduction in salaries. The amendment also guarantees the right to two days of rest per week.

Political Balances and Election Process

The bill, supported by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, is considered a critical move ahead of the presidential runoff election on October 25. It was notable that opponents also voted in favor during the voting.

Transition Period Granted to the Business World

The constitutional amendment grants businesses a 14-month period to transition to the new working arrangement. Some business representatives and lawmakers had requested that the process be spread over a longer timeframe.