Brazil's Senate reduces maximum workweek to 40 hours

Brazil's Senate approved a constitutional amendment on October 15, reducing the maximum working week from 44 to 40 hours. Workers will keep their full salaries under the new rules. Employees will also be guaranteed two rest days every week, which ends the common six-day working week in Brazil. Between 30 and 37 million workers could be affected by the change. The reform received broad support from politicians across different parties. However, informal workers, such as freelancers and delivery drivers, are not covered by the new law. President Lula is expected to sign the amendment. The vote gives Lula a major political win shortly before a presidential runoff election, scheduled for October 25, against Flávio Bolsonaro.