Brazil reduces maximum workweek to 40 hours

Brazil's congress has passed a constitutional amendment that reduces the national maximum workweek from 44 to 40 hours, the Daily Mail reported. The law also bans six-day workweeks, which currently affect 16 million people. The change could impact up to 30 million workers across the nation. [1]

The constitutional amendment, known as EC 141/2026, eliminates the 6x1 work model and establishes two paid rest days for workers without any reduction in salary. The regulations allow the two days off to occur on non-consecutive days in the same week rather than requiring them to be consecutive. [2]

The new working hour limits are expected to mostly affect low-paid employees in the retail, restaurant, and hotel sectors, the Daily Mail reported. The decision gives a political boost to left-wing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva nine days before the presidential runoff election. [1]

Brazil holds the largest economy in Latin America, with a nominal gross domestic product of approximately 2.64 trillion dollars in 2026. The nation's economy relies heavily on agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. [3]