In the framework of International Labor Day, the Government of Mexico, through President Claudia Sheinbaum and Labor Secretary Marath Bolaños, announced its intention to implement a gradual reduction of the working week from 48 to 40 hours, with the goal of concretizing it by January 2030.
Context of the proposal and pending legislative process
Currently, the Federal Labor Law establishes a maximum workday of 48 hours per week. The official proposal seeks to reduce this limit to 40 hours per week, with two mandatory rest days and without affecting workers’ salaries.
However, it is important to note that this change is not yet binding or enforceable. In order for it to become effective, a legal reform approved by the Congress of the Union is required, which implies a legislative process that must pass through both chambers and be published in the Official Gazette of the Federation. For the time being, the Executive has called for work tables from June 2 to 7, 2025 to build a proposal agreed with employers, unions and experts, which will eventually be translated into a legislative initiative.
Practical implications for employers
If approved, the reduction in working hours would represent one of the largest structural changes to the labor regime in more than a century. Although the change would be gradual, it is advisable that companies begin to anticipate and plan for it:
- Review of shifts, working days and coverage schemes.
- Operational and personnel adjustments to maintain productivity with a reduced workload.
- Evaluation of labor costs and strategies to mitigate economic impacts.
- Document preparation: contracts, regulations, internal policies.
Business organizations such as Coparmex have warned that an accelerated implementation without differentiated measures could affect competitiveness and formal employment, particularly in sectors with low productivity or high operational burden.
At Vega, Guerrero & Asociados, we will promptly follow up on the legislative process and the dialogue tables convened by the labor authority, keeping our clients informed of any progress or relevant implications for their operations.