The Brazilian congress has officially approved a constitutional amendment that reduces the maximum work week from 44 to 40 hours. This legislative change, which grants many employees an additional day off, is projected to affect roughly 30 million workers across the country. The amendment has become a central point of contention in the lead-up to the upcoming presidential runoff election.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has been a vocal proponent of the measure, framing it as a significant victory for the labor force. The political timing of the approval is notable, as it arrives less than two weeks before the presidential runoff. The Guardian reports that the move is part of Lula’s strategy to overcome the first-round lead held by his opponent, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro.

There is a notable shift in the political landscape regarding this legislation. While President Lula has championed the amendment throughout his campaign, Senator Bolsonaro—who represents the far-right opposition—had spent months actively opposing the reduction in working hours. However, according to The Guardian, Bolsonaro reversed his position on Tuesday, signaling a change in his campaign's approach to the issue as the election nears. The implementation of this change marks a major shift in Brazilian labor standards, though the practical rollout and the economic implications for businesses remain subjects of ongoing debate.