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4d ago

Brazil Lower House Approves 40‑Hour Five‑Day Workweek

Sponsored by President Lula as an election priority, the amendment sets a 14‑month phased cut, now awaiting a Senate vote that could change its timing or terms.

Labor union representatives hold signs calling for the end of Brazil's six-day workweek schedule during a special committee session analyzing the proposal at the Chamber of Deputies in Brasilia, Brazil, Wednesday, May 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)
Lamaker and Pastor Sargento Isidorio holds a sign supporting the end of Brazil's six-day workweek schedule, that reads in Portuguese: "Workers have families and are not robots. 5x2 schedule now," during a special committee session analyzing the proposal at the Chamber of Deputies in Brasilia, Brazil, Wednesday, May 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)
Lawmakers wear T-shirts reading in Portuguese: "End the 6x1 scale" during a special committee session analyzing the proposal at the Chamber of Deputies in Brasilia, Brazil, Wednesday, May 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)
Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva greets during his visit to the Bertolini shipyard in Manaus, Brazil May 27, 2026. REUTERS/Suamy Beydoun

Overview

  • The Chamber of Deputies approved the constitutional amendment in a 461-19 second‑round vote on Wednesday, transmitting the text to the Senate for ratification and possible edits.
  • The measure replaces the common Monday–Saturday pattern with a five‑day schedule, guarantees two consecutive 24‑hour rest days and preserves pay for roughly 37 million workers.
  • The law as approved phases in the change over 14 months with a two‑hour cut within 60 days and a further two‑hour cut one year later, while sector‑specific rules are to be set by later legislation.
  • President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva sponsored the move as a high‑profile campaign priority and labor groups praised it, whereas business associations and some opposition lawmakers warned of added costs and hiring impacts.
  • The vote follows recent regional shifts toward shorter workweeks in Chile and Mexico, and experts say the next steps to watch are the Senate debate, potential amendments, and practical adjustments employers will need to make for scheduling and staffing.