Brazil's Senate approves shorter workweek ahead of presidential runoff

Brazil's Senate passed a constitutional amendment on October 14, 2026, reducing the maximum workweek from 44 to 40 hours and guaranteeing employees two days of paid weekly rest without salary cuts. The measure, known as the "6x1" reform for ending the six-day work schedule, passed with overwhelming support: 75 votes in favour and one against in both rounds of voting. Senator Hamilton Mourão (Republicanos-RS) cast the sole opposing vote.

The amendment represents the most significant expansion of workers' rights since Brazil's return to democracy in 1988. The lower chamber (Chamber of Deputies) had already approved the measure in May. With Senate passage, the amendment advances to promulgation by the Congressional leadership without requiring presidential signature. The changes will be phased in: two months after publication, workers will gain two days of weekly rest and the workweek will drop to 42 hours; 14 months later, the limit will fall to 40 hours. Some professions with continuous or essential services—healthcare, security, transport, sanitation—may adopt alternative arrangements under collective agreements, provided they maintain an average of two rest days per week.

The reform is estimated to benefit between 30 and 37 million workers. Supporters emphasize improved quality of life and worker productivity, while critics warn of increased labour costs that employers may pass to consumers. The amendment underwent five sessions of first-round debate before lawmakers approved an expedited voting schedule allowing both rounds to occur on the same day.

Senate President Davi Alcolumbre (União-AP) stated: "Millions of Brazilians, millions of workers are following this session with hope. People know in their own daily lives the value of one more day of rest." Supporters across party lines—including right-wing senator Flávio Bolsonaro, who reversed his earlier opposition—endorsed the measure. The proposal had broad public backing, with surveys showing approximately 70% of Brazilians in favour.

The timing delivers a political win for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva ahead of the October 25 presidential runoff against Flávio Bolsonaro. Lula finished second in the first round with 45.2% of the vote, while Bolsonaro secured 47%, both falling short of the 50% threshold needed to avoid a decisive second round. Bolsonaro announced his policy reversal on Tuesday, citing the measure's popularity, after earlier criticizing it as "opportunistic" election manoeuvring. Lula countered that Bolsonaro's shift was "electoral opportunism," describing the amendment as essential for worker dignity and quality of life.