Brazil’s Senate approves a constitutional amendment that reduces the maximum workweek from six days to five, lowering the weekly limit to 40 hours (from 44) for formal workers. The change is designed to end six-day workweeks in sectors including retail, while maintaining pay, according to multiple reports.

The decision comes less than two weeks before Brazil’s presidential runoff, giving President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva a major legislative victory. Several outlets frame the vote as politically significant because Lula backs the measure as part of his agenda. Coverage also notes it could affect large numbers of workers, with some estimates citing tens of millions potentially impacted.

Different outlets emphasize different aspects: some highlight the constitutional amendment process and the five-day structure; others focus on the electoral timing and the potential advantage for Lula. There is also attention to Flávio Bolsonaro’s late support for ending the six-day workweek, reversing earlier criticism after pressure linked to the election.