Brazil’s Congress has approved a constitutional amendment reducing the working week from 44 to 40 hours, with two days off and no cut in pay. The change is estimated to benefit more than 30 million workers.
Senators passed the measure by 75 votes to one on Wednesday, following its approval by the lower house in May. Trade unions had rallied in support, and one nationwide survey found almost 70% of Brazilians favoured the change.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva championed the amendment ahead of the 25 October presidential run-off. His supporters hope it will improve his standing against Flávio Bolsonaro, who took 47% of the first-round vote to Lula’s 45.2%. Bolsonaro, a senator, reversed his opposition and voted for the measure.
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