Trending Now - Brazil Adopts 40-hour, 5-day Workweek Like Neighbors
WHO:
AP News - President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva sponsored the constitutional amendment.
AP News - Lawmaker Paulo Pimenta stated, “People who have this workweek from Monday to Saturday are the ones that have to work the hardest and are paid the least.”
AP News - Lawmaker Kim Kataguiri expressed concerns about the initiative, stating, “I think we need to be responsible. This will be a problem for many companies.”
AP News - Lawmaker Leo Prates drafted the amendment in the lower house.
ABC News Business - Brazil's lower house of Congress
WHAT:
AP News - The amendment guarantees two consecutive 24-hour rest days each week, preferably Saturdays and Sundays.
AP News - The amendment gives businesses 14 months to adapt to the new workweek structure.
ABC News Business - The lower house approved a constitutional amendment establishing a 40-hour, five-day workweek.
ABC News World - Brazil is set to join other Latin American countries that have shortened working hours.
WHERE:
ABC News Business - Brazil
ABC News World - Brazil
WHEN:
ABC News Business - Brazil is set to implement the 40-hour, five-day workweek.
WHY:
AP News - The proposal is widely popular in Brazil ahead of presidential elections in October.
ABC News Business - The amendment aligns Brazil with other Latin American countries that have adopted similar working hour reductions.
HOW:
AP News - The amendment was approved by the lower house and sent to the upper house for further consideration.
ABC News Business - The change was enacted through a constitutional amendment approved by the lower house.
(UPDATED May 28, 2026 12:06 UTC)
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has sponsored a constitutional amendment that guarantees workers two consecutive 24-hour rest days each week, ideally on Saturdays and Sundays, while giving businesses 14 months to adapt to this new workweek structure. Lawmaker Paulo Pimenta highlighted that those working from Monday to Saturday often face the toughest conditions and receive the least pay, while concerns were raised by Lawmaker Kim Kataguiri about the potential impact on companies. The proposal has gained significant popularity in Brazil, especially with presidential elections approaching in October, and it has already been approved by the lower house, now awaiting further consideration in the upper house.
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(UPDATED May 28, 2026 08:18 UTC)
Brazil's lower house of Congress has approved a constitutional amendment that establishes a 40-hour, five-day workweek, aligning the country with other Latin American nations that have made similar changes. This significant shift in labor policy is set to be implemented soon, marking a new chapter for workers in Brazil. The amendment reflects a growing trend in the region towards reducing working hours for better work-life balance.