New Delhi, July 1 -- Hundreds of bus drivers on strike protested in downtown Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday, demanding better conditions, increased pay and an end to the six-day working week. They are also part of a broader movement of workers pushing to guarantee Brazilians two days off a week.

"You can't spend quality time or go out with your family, give attention to your children, visit relatives, or have a day like going to a restaurant to have lunch together," said Alexandre Garrido, 49, who has been a bus driver for 20 years.

A proposal to limit the working week to five days is currently in the hands of the Senate after approval from a lower house in May, and is backed by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as part of his reelection b...