Mexico’s Congress Approves Gradual Shift to a 40-Hour Workweek by 2030
MEXICO CITY — Mexico’s legislature has taken a major step toward transforming the nation’s labour landscape, voting to gradually reduce the standard workweek from 48 hours to 40 hours by 2030 in what leaders describe as a landmark overhaul of labour law and work-life balance.
The constitutional reform, introduced by President Claudia Sheinbaum and backed by her ruling Morena party, was approved by the Chamber of Deputies on Wednesday with 411 votes in favor and 58 against after more than 10 hours of debate. This follows earlier approval in the Senate and now moves to state legislatures for final ratification.
A Gradual Transition Toward Shorter Hours
Under the new plan, Mexico’s workweek will be reduced incrementally:
- 2027: From 48 to 46 hours
- 2028: To 44 hours
- 2029: To 42 hours
- 2030: To the target 40 hours
Lawmakers maintained the requirement that employees receive one day of rest for every six worked, rejecting proposals to expand the number of guaranteed weekly rest days.
Supporters of the reform argue that the phased implementation will allow companies and workers to adjust without disruptive economic consequences. Oscar Ocampo, a labour analyst, said that spreading the reductions over several years could minimize financial strain on employers while aligning Mexico’s standards with global labour trends.
Goals and Context
Mexico currently works, on average, some of the longest hours among the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) nations, with an annual average exceeding 2,200 hours per worker — a figure that critics say hampers productivity and worker wellbeing.
President Sheinbaum has framed the reform as a way to enhance quality of life and productivity, insisting that a shorter workweek will help balance Mexico’s economic demands with workers’ rights. Government officials estimate that the change could directly benefit 13.5 million workers, though some analysts suggest the impacts may extend to a broader portion of the labour force.
Controversy Over Overtime and Rest Days
Despite broad political support, the legislation has drawn criticism from some union leaders and opposition figures who argue that the reform does not go far enough. The bill permits an increase in the maximum allowable weekly overtime, and retains the current one-day rest framework, prompting concerns that many workers may still experience demanding schedules despite the nominal reduction in hours.
Opposition lawmakers described the change as incomplete or rushed, warning that without stronger protections — such as mandated two-day weekends — working conditions may not significantly improve for many employees.
Regional and Global Comparisons
Mexico’s step toward a 40-hour workweek mirrors developments in other parts of the world where shorter workweeks and flexible schedules are gaining traction as tools to boost wellbeing and competitiveness. Several countries in Latin America, Europe, and Asia are experimenting with similar reforms, though implementation models vary widely.
If state legislatures ratify the measure, Mexico will embark on one of the most significant labour law shifts in decades, reshaping standard employment expectations and setting a new benchmark for workers’ rights in the region.
