Brazil's Congress approves 40-hour working week for Lula

Brazil's Senate has approved a constitutional amendment cutting the working week from 44 to 40 hours, a boost for President Lula before the 25 October runoff.

• The Senate passed the amendment by 75 votes to one on Wednesday, following lower-house approval in May, affecting more than 30 million workers.
• Flávio Bolsonaro reversed his opposition and voted yes, saying most Brazilian workers want to end the six-day workweek.
• Lula said the change gives workers more time to live, rest, and be with family.
• The shorter week will be phased in, dropping to 42 hours after two months and to 40 hours after a further 14.