Brazil’s Congress promulgated a constitutional amendment on October 16 establishing a five-day working week and a 40-hour maximum, down from 44 hours, without reducing pay. The change is scheduled to take effect within two months.
The amendment replaces the common schedule of six days worked followed by one day off with five working days and two paid days off. It follows Senate approval on October 14.
Estimates of how many workers will be affected vary. Brazil’s public news agency cited 26.8 million, while Reuters reported a government estimate of more than 37 million formal-sector workers.
For employers, the shorter week means reviewing schedules and workforce plans before the change takes effect, while maintaining pay under the new 40-hour limit.
Sources
- https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/en/politica/noticia/2026-10/brazils-congress-approves-shorter-workweek
- https://www.investing.com/news/economy-news/brazils-senate-approves-shorter-workweek-in-win-for-lula-4950366
- https://elpais.com/america/2026-10-15/quince-millones-de-trabajadores-logran-un-segundo-dia-libre-en-brasil-una-victoria-politica-para-lula.html
