Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies has approved a constitutional reform that will gradually reduce the country’s standard workweek from 48 hours to 40 hours by the year 2030, marking a significant shift in national labor policy.
The reform, which passed after extensive debate in the lower house of Congress, sets out a phased implementation plan rather than an immediate change. Beginning in 2027, the maximum legal workweek will be reduced by two hours each year. This means the workweek will decrease to 46 hours in 2027, 44 hours in 2028, 42 hours in 2029, and ultimately reach 40 hours in 2030.
Under the current framework, workers’ base salaries and benefits are expected to remain intact despite the reduction in working hours. Lawmakers backing the bill argue that the measure aligns Mexico more closely with international labor standards and promotes improved work life balance for millions of employees.
The reform also adjusts overtime regulations. While the standard workweek will shrink, employers may still request overtime under specific conditions, subject to existing pay requirements. Additionally, the legislation maintains the provision requiring at least one paid day of rest for every six days worked, a point that has drawn criticism from some labor advocates who argue that the reform does not go far enough in guaranteeing two full days of rest.
Because the measure amends the constitution, it must now be ratified by a majority of Mexico’s state legislatures before it can take effect. Once ratification is completed, the phased reduction process will begin as scheduled.
The approval of the 40 hour workweek reform represents one of the most consequential labor policy changes in Mexico in recent decades, with broad implications for businesses, workers, and the country’s economic structure.
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