Brazil's Senate approved a constitutional amendment to reduce the workweek to five days just 11 days before the presidential runoff election.

BRASILIA, Brazil, Oct. 15 (UPI) -- Brazil's Senate approved a constitutional amendment to reduce the workweek to five days just 11 days before the presidential runoff election between President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and opposition candidate Flávio Bolsonaro.

The reform, initially driven by a social media movement, became the centerpiece of Lula's economic platform in his re-election campaign against Bolsonaro.

After the Chamber of Deputies approved the measure in May, the Senate was expected to vote on it in November. However, lawmakers from Lula's governing coalition pushed through a special legislative schedule, moving the vote forward to secure passage Wednesday night in advance of the runoff.

Bolsonaro initially called the proposal "populist" and warned that it could lead to widespread unemployment. But opposition lawmakers reversed course shortly before the vote as the measure gained broad public support.

National polls showed more than 70% support for the reform, putting pressure on opposition lawmakers ahead of the election.

Right-wing senators ultimately voted almost unanimously in favor of the measure. Bolsonaro justified the decision as a response to demands from working-class voters.

The Senate approved the amendment 75-1.

Brazil's Congress is scheduled to formally enact the amendment Tuesday, replacing the traditional six-day workweek with a five-day schedule and two days off.

The measure will gradually establish a 40-hour weekly limit without reducing workers' pay.

Workers will be entitled to two paid days off each week. According to Brazilian news outlet G1, the days off will not necessarily fall on Saturdays and Sundays. Employers may adjust schedules according to their industry's needs, although at least one day off should preferably fall on Sunday.

The approved amendment also introduces a legal category known as the "superemployee," designed to provide greater scheduling flexibility for highly paid professionals, Folha do S. Paulo reported.

Employees with university degrees earning more than 21,180 Brazilian reais, approximately $3,800 per month, will retain their right to two days off each week, but will no longer be required to record their starting and ending work times.

Analysts say the provision gives employees in senior positions at large companies greater control over their schedules, addressing business concerns about the rigidity of the new rules.

In announcing his change of position, Bolsonaro also sought to address concerns among business leaders who opposed the reform.

According to CNN Brasil, the opposition candidate said that if he wins the Oct. 25 runoff, he will use his congressional majority to amend the legislation in 2027 and compensate businesses through tax exemptions or government subsidies.