In a significant move aimed at improving labor conditions, Mexico’s government has unveiled plans to gradually reduce the standard workweek from 48 to 40 hours by January 2030. The announcement was made by Labor and Social Security Minister Marath Bolaños during a Labor Day event, marking a pivotal step in President Claudia Sheinbaum’s broader labor reform agenda.
“Reducing the workweek is not about diminishing productivity; it’s about dignifying the lives of workers by returning hours of their life and valuing the work they perform week after week,” stated Minister Bolaños. He emphasized that the transition would be achieved through a process of social dialogue involving workers, employers, and experts.
To facilitate this dialogue, the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare will conduct public forums across various Mexican cities from June to July 2025. These forums aim to gather input from all stakeholders to shape the legislative proposal for the gradual reduction plan.
The initiative seeks to align Mexico’s labor standards more closely with international norms. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Mexico currently ranks among the countries with the highest number of hours worked annually, averaging 2,226 hours per worker. The last significant amendment to Mexico’s workweek laws was in 1917.
However, the proposed reform faces challenges. Previous attempts to reduce the workweek in 2023 and 2024 met resistance in Congress, delaying legislative approval. Additionally, business groups have expressed concerns about the economic implications of the change.
Juan José Sierra, president of the Confederation of Employers of the Mexican Republic (Coparmex), acknowledged the importance of improving labor conditions but cautioned against potential economic disruptions. “We need to consider the current economic context. Flexibility and exceptions in implementation are necessary to avoid adverse effects on small and medium-sized enterprises,” he remarked.
Despite these concerns, the government remains committed to the reform. President Sheinbaum highlighted the importance of consensus and gradual implementation, stating, “It’s not something that can be done overnight, but the important thing is to see how we are going to do it and that it is an agreement that allows for better conditions for workers.”
The gradual reduction of the workweek is part of a broader effort to modernize labor conditions in Mexico, aiming to enhance work-life balance and align with global labor standards. The upcoming public forums will play a crucial role in shaping the final proposal, with the goal of achieving full implementation by 2030.
