Chilean MPs approved the reduction of working time | Chronic

The Chilean Chamber of Deputies approved on Thursday in general a bill reducing the working day from 45 to 40 hours per week, a measure proposed by the Communist Party (PC) and debated at the height of the social outburst since the return of democracy to the country

The project was endorsed by all opposition political forces, while the ruling party was divided between rejection and abstention.

READ ALSO: They extend curfews in several cities in Chile

"It's a tireless struggle with this government that declared war at 40 hours, but this project aims to give families a little more human dignity." It's a moment of triumph, but there are still steps to be taken. cross", said the project promoter, the communist deputy Camila Vallejo.

"When people are mobilized, when people express their demands, the bills that belong to the citizens are approved with greater ease and a much more legitimate discussion of Parliament"added the young legislator who led a historic student rebellion in 2011

The project was supported by 88 legislators, against 24 rejections and 27 abstentions.

The leaders of the Independent Democratic Union (UDI) and Evópoli voted against, while those of National Renovation abstained.

The initiative will now return to committee for its particular debate and, once approved, will be referred to the Senate.

Chile has been living for a week in the midst of violent demonstrations and repression by security forces, leaving 18 dead and hundreds wounded and detainees.

The government first declared the state of emergency and then curfews in most major cities of the country.