Brazilian lawmakers have approved a constitutional amendment to end the six-day workweek, reducing the maximum weekly working hours from 44 to 40 without cutting wages. The legislation, passed by the Senate in Brasília on the evening of October 14, guarantees formal workers two days of paid rest per week. Currently, around 15 million formally employed Brazilians receive only one day off each week, according to the Ministry of Labour.

The move fulfills a key campaign promise by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva ahead of a presidential run-off scheduled for October 25. Lula, 80, is seeking a third non-consecutive term after finishing second in the first round of voting with 45 percent of the vote. His opponent, right-wing Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former jailed president Jair Bolsonaro, led the first round with 47 percent but did not achieve the majority required for an outright win.

Lula hailed the reform as a “historic achievement” and a victory for Brazil’s workers, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance. His supporters hope the measure will bolster his appeal among voters in the crucial days before the runoff. Although Bolsonaro opposed the reform for years, he and many of his Senate allies voted in favor this week.

Political analysts caution that the amendment’s electoral impact may be limited in the short term. Murilo Medeiros, a political scientist at the University of Brasília, noted that workers will not feel the changes immediately, while ongoing economic challenges such as inflation and household debt continue to influence voter sentiment.

The new labour law excludes gig economy workers like app-based drivers who lack formal contracts. Once enacted, employers will have 60 days to transition to a five-day workweek with up to 42 hours, then 12 months to fully implement the 40-hour week.

Brazil’s shift aligns it with many developed economies where shorter working hours have been linked to productivity gains. However, some business groups warn the move could increase operational costs, particularly in sectors like retail and hospitality, potentially leading to job reductions and inflationary pressures. Sergio Vale, chief economist at MB Associados, described the reform as positive for workers but stressed that its full effects will take time to materialize. The law is expected to come into effect imminently following legislative approval.