Brazil Senate Approves 40-Hour Workweek

Brazil's Senate has approved a constitutional amendment to shorten the working week to a maximum of 40 hours, a move that could affect 30 million workers. The amendment will cut the maximum workweek from 44 to 40 hours for more than 30 million workers, and ban six-day workweeks, which are currently worked by 16 million people.

The change is expected to mainly affect workers in retail, restaurants, and hotels, most of whom are low-paid. This group was one of the demographics that President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva lost support from since the 2022 election.

The amendment had widespread support, with 75 senators voting in favor of it, and only one senator, Hamilton Mourão, voting against. The proposal also had the support of more than 70% of the general population and more than half of Flávio Bolsonaro's voters.

The proposal began as a TikTok movement called Life Beyond Work, founded by a pharmacy assistant who entered politics after starting the movement. The amendment passed the lower house in May and is seen as a win for President Lula ahead of the presidential runoff election.

## Why it matters The approval of the amendment could have significant implications for President Lula's re-election campaign. The change is expected to give some workers an extra day off each week, which could lead to increased support for the president. Additionally, the amendment's focus on improving working conditions for low-paid workers could help to boost President Lula's popularity among this demographic.

The amendment's passage is also notable for its potential impact on the Brazilian economy. With 30 million workers affected, the change could have far-reaching consequences for businesses and industries across the country. However, the exact impact of the amendment remains to be seen, and it will likely be closely watched by economists and policymakers in the coming months.

## What happens next The amendment's approval is a significant step forward, but it is not yet clear when the change will come into effect. The amendment will need to be implemented and enforced, which could take several months or even years. Additionally, the impact of the amendment on the Brazilian economy and society will need to be closely monitored, and adjustments may need to be made as necessary.

In the short term, the amendment's approval is likely to be seen as a major victory for President Lula and his re-election campaign. The president has strongly championed the amendment, and its passage is likely to be seen as a significant achievement. However, the long-term implications of the amendment remain to be seen, and it will likely be the subject of ongoing debate and discussion in the coming months and years.