Mexico Approves Bill to Shorten Workweek
MEXICO CITY: Mexico has taken a significant step by approving a bill to gradually reduce the workweek from 48 to 40 hours. This change is expected to start next year, though it will also allow for increased overtime hours and maintains just one day off for every six days worked.
Currently, Mexico has the longest average work hours in the OECD, with workers putting in over 2,226 hours annually. This contributes to poor work-life balance and has led to low productivity and wages, especially in a country where about 55% of workers are in the informal sector.
The Chamber of Deputies passed the bill late Tuesday with unanimous support from all 469 lawmakers present in the 500-member Congress. They continued discussing specific provisions of the law, which also received 411 votes in favor.
During the 10 hours of debate, the opposition criticized the reform. However, supporters from the ruling party celebrated its passage after lengthy negotiations with business leaders.
“Productivity is not just about long hours; it’s built on dignity,” said Pedro Haces, a representative from the ruling party.
Opposition members argue that the bill does not truly reduce the workweek because it increases the allowed overtime from nine to twelve hours and doesn’t mandate two rest days for every five days of work.
“I think the reform has good intentions, but it feels rushed and isn’t complete,” stated Alex Dominguez from the opposition PRI party.
Earlier this month, the Senate, where the ruling Morena party has a strong presence, also showed support for the reform.
“After more than a century without change, Mexico will gradually reduce the 48-hour workweek,” said the Ministry of Labor in a statement.
President Claudia Sheinbaum introduced this proposal last December, aiming to cut the workweek by two hours each year until 2030, impacting around 13.4 million workers. If more than half of Mexico’s state legislatures approve the law, the first reduction will occur in January 2027.
