Mexico Proposing Reduction in Workweek
To better align with international standards, Mexico is proposing a reduction in its workweek from 48 to 40 hours. The initiative was officially presented by President Sheinbaum on May 1st and is currently in the consultation phase. Throughout June and July, forums and discussions will be held to gather feedback and build consensus. A final vote in Congress is expected later this year.
If the reform is approved, implementation would be gradual, based on company size, with full enforcement likely by January 2030. Importantly, the proposal maintains current salaries, meaning employees would work 40 hours a week without any pay reduction.
The primary goal of this reform is to improve work-life balance and align Mexico with global labor standards. However, for businesses operating in Mexico, this could present significant operational challenges. Industries with continuous operations, such as manufacturing, logistics, retail, and tourism, may be the most affected, as they rely on tightly managed shifts and staffing.
Action for Employers
Now is the time for companies to start preparing. That might include exploring schedule adjustments, hiring additional staff, or investing in automation to offset the reduction in hours.