Mexican Congress Approves Gradual 40-Hour Work Week Reform

Historic Labor Reform Clears Mexican Congress

Mexico's Chamber of Deputies has given its approval to a landmark reform that will gradually reduce the legal work week from 48 to 40 hours. The measure, which had previously passed the Senate, now moves to state legislatures for final ratification, marking a significant step towards improving work-life balance for millions of Mexican workers.

Legislative Journey and Phased Implementation

The reform received overwhelming support in the Chamber of Deputies, with 469 votes in favor of the general outline and 411 votes backing its specific terms during a session that concluded early Wednesday. The Senate had already unanimously approved the bill earlier in February. President Claudia Sheinbaum initially introduced the proposal in December 2025, aiming to modernize labor standards.

The reduction will not be immediate but will be implemented gradually, trimming two hours per year starting in 2027 until the 40-hour work week is fully established by 2030. This phased approach is intended to allow businesses time to adjust to the new requirements.

Impact and Rationale for Change

This reform is expected to benefit approximately 13.4 million workers across Mexico. Mexico has long been criticized for having one of the poorest work-life balances among OECD nations, with workers averaging over 2,226 hours annually. Proponents of the bill argue that productivity is not solely measured by exhaustion but is built through dignity and respect for workers' rights. The initiative also includes provisions for electronic time tracking of working hours and prohibits minors from working overtime.

Debate and Next Steps

Despite broad support, the reform faced lobbying efforts from business leaders who expressed concerns about potential increases in labor costs and impacts on productivity. Some critics also noted that the bill maintains the requirement of only one mandatory rest day for every six days worked, rejecting proposals for two. Additionally, there are concerns that the reduction in standard hours could be offset by increases in allowed overtime.

The constitutional reform now requires ratification by two-thirds of Mexico's state legislatures to officially become law. President Sheinbaum's governing party holds a majority in these state bodies, suggesting a likely path to final enactment. With this move, Mexico joins other Latin American nations like Chile and Colombia, which have also recently reduced their weekly working hours under leftist governments.