Mexico’s 40-Hour Workweek: Proposed Labor Reform and Its Impact

Mexico’s proposed 40-hour workweek reform has sparked intense debate among legislators, workers, and business leaders. Since its initial proposal in 2023, the reform aims to reduce the standard workweek from 48 to 40 hours, allowing employees to have two days of rest per week instead of one.

While many workers welcome the change, concerns remain about its economic impact, implementation timeline, and feasibility for businesses. With the new legislative session starting on February 1, 2025, discussions on the reform have resurfaced.

What Is the 40-Hour Workweek Proposal?

The Mexican Federal Labor Law (Ley Federal del Trabajo) currently establishes a 48-hour workweek, spread across six days with one mandatory rest day. The proposed reform would:

• Reduce weekly working hours from 48 to 40.
• Increase the number of mandatory rest days from one to two.
• Modify Article 123 of the Mexican Constitution to reflect these changes.
• Implement the transition gradually to allow businesses time to adjust.

Who Supports the Reform?

The Morena party, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, has committed to approving the reform within the current six-year term. Ricardo Monreal Ávila, President of the Junta de Coordinación Política (Jucopo) in the Chamber of Deputies, confirmed that discussions are progressing and that implementation would be gradual.

“This is a commitment made by President Claudia Sheinbaum, and it will be fulfilled. The transition to a 40-hour workweek will begin gradually this year.”
— Ricardo Monreal Ávila

Challenges to Approval

While the initiative has gained political backing, it still faces opposition from business sectors concerned about higher labor costs and potential productivity losses. To address these concerns, government officials are engaging in dialogues with business leaders to find a balanced solution.

What Is the Approval Process for the 40-Hour Workweek?

The approval process for the labor reform follows multiple steps:

• Review and discussion in legislative committees.
• Approval in committees before advancing to the full Chamber of Deputies.
• Vote in the Chamber of Deputies.
• Submission to the Senate for further discussion and approval.
• Approval by at least 17 state congresses (required for constitutional amendments).
• Final approval by the National Executive and publication in the Diario Oficial de la Federación (DOF).

As of 2025, the proposal remains under discussion in legislative committees.

What Are Mexico’s Current Workweek Regulations?

The Federal Labor Law currently establishes:

• Day Shift (6:00 AM – 8:00 PM): Maximum of 8 hours per day.
• Night Shift (8:00 PM – 6:00 AM): Maximum of 7 hours per night.
• Mixed Shift (spanning both day and night): Maximum of 7.5 hours.

For every six days worked, employees are entitled to one mandatory rest day.

How Would a 40-Hour Workweek Affect Workers?

A shorter workweek would have significant benefits for employees, including:

• Better work-life balance with two days off per week.
• Reduced stress and burnout due to shorter working hours.
• Improved productivity and job satisfaction.
• More time for education, family, and personal development.

However, businesses worry that the reform could lead to increased operational costs, potentially affecting wages, hiring, and company profitability.

When Could the 40-Hour Workweek Become Law?

While no official implementation date has been set, Morena lawmakers expect discussions to progress throughout 2025, with potential gradual adoption starting in September 2025.

Until then, the proposal remains in legislative review, and Mexican workers must continue under the current 48-hour workweek regulation.

A Major Shift in Mexico’s Labor Laws

The 40-hour workweek proposal represents one of the most significant labor reforms in Mexico in recent decades. While its approval is not yet guaranteed, it aligns with global trends toward shorter workweeks and improved employee well-being.

As discussions continue, both workers and business leaders will need to prepare for potential changes, ensuring a smooth transition that benefits both the economy and the workforce.