Chile lawmakers vote to reduce work week from 45 to 40 hours

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Chile’s Congress has approved a law gradually reducing the work week from 45 to 40 hours, a decision hailed by the government as a breakthrough for workers’ rights. The bill, which was approved by a 127 to 14 margin with three abstentions, is expected to be signed into law by President Gabriel Boric before May 1. It was unanimously approved by the Senate three weeks ago. It took six years for lawmakers to finally approve the initiate and the law will need another five yeas to reach its full force.