Overview
- The Chamber of Deputies passed the constitutional reform after a marathon debate, 411–58 in the final vote, keeping the rule of at least one rest day for every six worked rather than guaranteeing two weekly rest days.
- The reduction phases in from 48 hours to 46 in 2027, 44 in 2028, 42 in 2029 and 40 in 2030, with 2026 designated as an adjustment year for planning and reorganization.
- The text raises the overtime cap to 12 hours per week, limits extra hours to a maximum of four per day for up to four days, prohibits overtime for under‑18s, and bars salary or benefit cuts during the transition.
- Following state ratifications, the reform must be published in the official gazette, after which Congress will have 90 days to align the Federal Labor Law and detail operational rules that could include supports for smaller firms.
- Labor officials defended gradual implementation to preserve wages and ease business adaptation; the government estimates 13.5 million workers would benefit, while some analysts project coverage near 30 million and warn of added costs.