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Mexico Senate Approves 40-Hour Workweek by 2030

2/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Mexican Senate committees approved a constitutional reform to reduce the workweek from 48 to 40 hours by 2030, affecting over 13 million workers.
Reductions begin in 2027 as part of the plan toward the 2030 target.
The reform requires electronic time tracking to ensure compliance.
Labor Minister Marath Bolaños emphasizes flexibility, while unions warn about loopholes in defining 'effective working time' that could exclude standby periods.

History

Historical Context

In 1931, Mexico established the eight-hour workday under President Pascual Ortiz Rubio, a pivotal labor reform that aimed to enhance workers' rights for over 13 million individuals. This reform emerged amid political instability and economic challenges, including the Great Depression. The current proposal to reduce the workweek to 40 hours by 2030 reflects ongoing efforts to improve labor conditions in Mexico.

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Story summary

The Mexican Senate committees approved a constitutional reform to reduce the workweek from 48 to 40 hours by 2030, affecting over 13 million workers.
Reductions begin in 2027 as part of the plan toward the 2030 target.
The reform requires electronic time tracking to ensure compliance.
Labor Minister Marath Bolaños emphasizes flexibility, while unions warn about loopholes in defining 'effective working time' that could exclude standby periods.

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