Story perspectives

Brazil Senate Approves 40-Hour Workweek With No Pay Cuts

By Drooid · Oct 15, 2026, 10:22 AM UTC · How we work

Center

Poll Shows Lula Boost

Brazil's Senate approved a constitutional amendment on Oct 15, 2026, reducing the workweek from 44 to 40 hours without cutting pay.
The amendment is seen as giving President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva boost, with a Quaest poll (Oct 10-13) showing him at 44 % versus Bolsonaro’s 46 %.
Lula intends to sign the amendment into law next week.
The government estimates the reform will affect more than 37 million workers.

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Women Health Gains

Brazil's Senate approved a constitutional amendment cutting the workweek from 44 to 40 hours, keeping pay unchanged.
Researchers say the added day off could boost health and lessen exhaustion, particularly for women bearing unpaid domestic duties.
The amendment bans six-day workweeks that affect roughly 16 million Brazilian workers nationwide.
Senate vote was 75-yes to one-no, with former vice-president Hamilton Mourão dissenting.

History

Historical Context

In June 1938, Congress enacted the Fair Labor Standards Act, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, establishing an eight-hour day, 40-hour week, overtime pay and a minimum wage, raising wages for 700,000 workers. Brazil’s Senate approved a 2026 amendment by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva that cuts the workweek from 44 to 40 hours for 37 million employees, sparking debate on productivity and work-life balance.

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Poll Shows Lula Boost

Brazil's Senate approved a constitutional amendment on Oct 15, 2026, reducing the workweek from 44 to 40 hours without cutting pay.
The amendment is seen as giving President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva boost, with a Quaest poll (Oct 10-13) showing him at 44 % versus Bolsonaro’s 46 %.
Lula intends to sign the amendment into law next week.
The government estimates the reform will affect more than 37 million workers.

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