Brazil Congress Shortens Workweek to 40 Hours Ahead of Presidential Runoff

In a decisive move before the upcoming presidential runoff, Brazil’s Congress approved a constitutional amendment that eliminates six‑day workweeks, capping the weekly schedule at 40 hours. The change could impact up to 30 million workers nationwide, granting many an extra day off each week. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who has been campaigning on labor reforms, pushed the amendment as a strategy to counter the first‑round advantage of far‑right senator Flávio Bolsonaro. The legislation is seen as a political win for Lula, potentially reshaping voter sentiment in the final election phase.