Brazil's Congress has approved a constitutional amendment to reduce the working week from 44 hours to 40, granting employees two days off per week without a cut in salary. This change, championed by left-wing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, marks the most significant overhaul to workers' rights since Brazil's return to democracy in 1988.
Senators overwhelmingly backed the amendment on Wednesday by 75 votes to one, less than two weeks before the second round of the presidential election on 25 October. The measure had previously passed in the Chamber of Deputies in May.
Lula's supporters hope the amendment, which is estimated to benefit more than 30 million workers, will boost his chances in the run-off against right-wing rival Flávio Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro, who is currently a senator, reversed his previous opposition to the measure and voted in favour, citing its popularity.
The change is due to be phased in, initially shortening the working week to 42 hours after a two-month grace period, and then to 40 hours at a later stage. The full implementation of the changes is expected to take more than a year.