Brazil approves 40-hour workweek in win for Lula

Summary

Brazil's Senate approved a constitutional amendment to reduce the maximum workweek from 44 hours to 40 without cutting salaries, according to ABC News; The Guardian and BBC News report Congress approved the change. The Guardian says it would ban six-day workweeks and could affect up to 30 million workers. Several outlets describe the measure as a political win for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva ahead of the presidential runoff, which The Guardian says is less than two weeks away.

Timeline

1. The Guardian

   15 Oct 2026, 02:45 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that Congress approved an amendment limiting the workweek to 40 hours, banning six-day workweeks and potentially affecting up to 30 million workers.

2. ABC News

   15 Oct 2026, 02:58 UTCSource ↗

   ABC News reports that the Senate approved an amendment reducing the maximum workweek from 44 to 40 hours without cutting salaries.

3. Financial Times

   15 Oct 2026, 03:01 UTCSource ↗

   The Financial Times describes Brazil's move as abolishing the six-day workweek in a win for Lula.

4. Deutsche Welle

   15 Oct 2026, 03:29 UTCSource ↗

   Deutsche Welle reports that Brazil is to shorten the workweek, framing the move as a win for Lula ahead of the runoff.

5. BBC

   15 Oct 2026, 10:05 UTCSource ↗

   The BBC reports that Congress approved a shorter working week, describing it as a win for Lula.