Brazil’s Congress has approved a reform to cut the maximum working week from 44 to 40 hours and end six-day working weeks, The Guardian reports. The changes will be introduced in stages, however: parliamentary approval does not mean workers are already covered by the new 40-hour limit.
According to the newspaper, the Senate approved the constitutional amendment on 14 October 2026, after the lower house passed it in May. The reform has a broad reach: around 16 million people currently work a six-day week, while the reduction in maximum weekly working hours is expected to cover more than 30 million workers. These figures describe the anticipated scope of the changes, rather than effects already observed.
First 42 hours, then 40
The timetable described by The Guardian begins with promulgation of the amendment by the president of the Senate — its formal proclamation. After 60 days, six-day working weeks are to end and the maximum working week is to fall to 42 hours. The final 40-hour limit is due to take effect a further 14 months later.
There is therefore no basis yet for giving precise start dates for either stage, as the newspaper does not give a promulgation date. The distinction between parliamentary approval and the rules taking effect matters for workers and employers planning new working patterns.
Reform comes ahead of presidential run-off
Parliament’s decision came before the second round of Brazil’s presidential election, scheduled for 25 October 2026. As The Guardian notes, the changes will not take effect before that vote.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva supported the shorter working week and publicly welcomed the reform’s approval. According to the newspaper, his election rival Flávio Bolsonaro had previously opposed the change but reversed his position and backed it before the vote. Parliament’s decision is therefore a significant campaign development, although its practical effects on working arrangements will emerge only as the successive stages take effect.
