Brazil's Congress passed a law reducing the work week to 40 hours. The reform grants workers two days off without any pay cuts.
Brazil's Congress recently passed a historic amendment. This new law cuts the standard work week from 44 to 40 hours. Employees will now receive two days off each week. Crucially, employers must keep salaries at the same level.
Also, this change marks a massive shift for labor rights. It is the biggest update since the nation returned to democracy in 1988. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva strongly supported the reform.
Next, the Senate approved the change with 75 votes in favor and only one against. The lower house previously passed the measure back in May. The new law will help over 30 million workers across the country.
However, the timing of the vote holds political weight. It arrives just before the final round of the presidential election. Lula’s supporters hope this victory boosts his campaign against Flávio Bolsonaro.
Meanwhile, Flávio Bolsonaro changed his stance on the issue. He originally opposed the plan but eventually voted for it. He admitted that the law is very popular with the public.
Then, Lula celebrated the news on social media. He stated the law gives people more time for family and rest. He believes it will improve the quality of life for all workers.
As a result, many citizens are already celebrating the news. A supermarket cashier named Luciana de Almeida said it will change her life. She currently struggles to find time for her three children.
Still, some critics worry about the economic impact. They fear higher production costs might raise prices for consumers. Supporters argue that better rest will actually make workers more productive.
Finally, the government will phase in these changes over time. The work week will drop to 42 hours after two months. It will eventually reach the 40-hour limit after more than a year.