Brazilian workers are exhausted. The current law allows working weeks of up to 44 hours, with only a single day off. The debate over ending this six-to-one working schedule has become a central political issue in 2026, with a proposal for a 40-hour week on the table, along with two guaranteed days of rest – the five-to-two schedule.
The change, supported by workers and by the Lula government, enjoys strong popular support. A survey by the Datafolha Institute indicates that 71 per cent of Brazilians are in favour of the switch. In an election year, this carries considerable political weight.
