Brazil reduces the workweek from six to five days

Brazil’s Senate adopted on Wednesday, by 75 votes to one, the reform backed by the government of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, which reduces the working week from 44 to 40 hours and guarantees two days off for numerous employees. The measure was approved by the Chamber of Deputies in May and is to be implemented gradually over the next 14 months.

The reform primarily targets the “6x1” system, under which employees work six days and have only one day off. Reducing working hours was one of the main demands of pro-Lula demonstrations in major cities. The bill’s rapporteur, Senator Omar Aziz, called the vote the most important victory for Brazilian workers since the 1988 Constitution.

Flavio Bolsonaro, Lula’s conservative rival, voted in favor of the reform, despite initially criticizing it. The decision comes ahead of the second round of the presidential election, scheduled for October 25, in which polls indicate a close race.

Meanwhile, the Workers’ Party intends to petition the Organization of American States over Meta’s alleged interference in the election. The party accuses the company of selectively restricting Lula-related content on Instagram and WhatsApp, allegations rejected by the company, which cites technical issues.