Brazil's Senate approves reduction of maximum workweek to 40 hours

Brazil's Senate approved a constitutional amendment on October 14-15, 2026, cutting the maximum workweek from 44 to 40 hours. Workers will keep their full salaries under the new rules. The change also guarantees two rest days each week. The government says more than 37 million workers will benefit. President Lula first sent the bill to parliament in April 2026. The lower house passed it in late May, and a Senate committee approved it in September. The Senate then gave its final vote in mid-October. Lula planned to sign the amendment into law shortly after. The reform is his biggest legislative achievement before a presidential runoff election scheduled for October 25, 2026.