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SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil's lower house of Congress approved a constitutional amendment on Wednesday that establishes a 40-hour, five-day workweek, aligning
the country with other Latin American nations that have enacted similar changes. The amendment, which is part of a broader labor reform effort, enjoys significant popularity ahead of the presidential elections scheduled for October. Sponsored by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the proposal has garnered support from labor rights advocates but faces criticism from business sectors.
Details of the Amendment
The current work schedule in Brazil consists of five eight-hour days and an additional four hours on a sixth day, totaling 44 hours. The newly approved amendment eliminates the six-day workweek while ensuring that pay remains unchanged for at least 37 million workers. It also mandates two consecutive 24-hour rest days each week, ideally on weekends.Reactions from Lawmakers
During the voting session, lawmaker Paulo Pimenta remarked, “People who have this workweek from Monday to Saturday are the ones that have to work the hardest and are paid the least. We need to be brave and do justice.”Despite some opposition, many lawmakers supported the amendment due to pressure from constituents. However, concerns were raised by others, including lawmaker Kim Kataguiri, who stated, “I don't care this is an election year. I think we need to be responsible. This will be a problem for many companies.”
Implementation Timeline
The amendment allows businesses a period of 14 months to adjust to the new regulations, a point that was crucial during negotiations. Some business leaders advocated for a gradual transition over a decade.Lawmaker Leo Prates, who drafted the amendment, emphasized the careful consideration given to the needs of workers and families, stating, “This was built with a lot of responsibility, thinking about workers and families in Brazil.”
Next Steps in the Legislative Process
The lower house's approval of the amendment now moves it to the Senate, where a voting date has yet to be established. The Senate may propose changes before the amendment receives final approval from President Lula.In the backdrop of this labor reform, Lula's main electoral rival, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, has suggested a shift towards a more flexible, payment-by-the-hour work system, which has garnered limited support among business leaders.
