Bill voted in Chile: weekly workday drops to 40 hours

The bill, which was presented to parliament by the government of Chilean President Gabriel Boric and approved with 127 votes to 14, contemplates gradually reducing the weekly working day in the country from 45 hours to 40 hours over a period of 5 years.

Commenting on the vote, Chilean Labor Minister Jeannette Jara said: “Today has shown that it is possible to take steps to improve the quality of life for our employees, even if it seems impossible to some.”

President Boric, in a statement on his social media account before the vote, stated that the bill is an important step for a broader understanding of justice in the country.

“I have no doubt that the improvements, such as the reduction of (the weekly working day) to 40, are necessary to get closer to a fair and full Chile,” shared Boric.

Under the new law, the weekly working day will be reduced to 44 hours in the first year, 42 hours in the third year and 40 hours in the fifth year.

The work week in Chile was reduced from 48 hours to 45 hours in 2005. (AA)