Mexico Approves Gradual Reduction of Workweek to 40 Hours by 2030

On February 24, 2026, Mexico's Chamber of Deputies unanimously approved a significant labor reform aimed at reducing the statutory workweek from 48 to 40 hours. This decision, supported by all 469 present members in the 500-member Congress, marks a pivotal shift in labor policy under President Claudia Sheinbaum's administration. The reform is set to be implemented gradually, with the first reduction of two hours scheduled for January 2027, continuing annually until 2030. The Ministry of Labour stated that approximately 13.4 million workers will benefit from this change.

Bloomberg

Mexico currently has the highest number of work hours per person per year among OECD countries, totaling over 2,226 hours, which has been linked to poor work-life balance and low productivity. The reform aims not only to improve the quality of life for workers but also to align Mexico with other Latin American nations like Chile and Colombia, which have recently enacted similar reductions in work hours. Critics, however, argue that the increase in allowable overtime from nine to twelve hours per week undermines the intended benefits of the reform.

The Straits Times

President Claudia Sheinbaum has emphasized the importance of this reform, stating, "Productivity is not measured by exhaustion. It is built with dignity." The ruling Morena party views this as a victory for worker rights, while opposition lawmakers have expressed concerns that the reform is incomplete and rushed. Alex Dominguez, a member of the opposition PRI party, remarked, “The idea of the reform is not bad, but it is incomplete and was done in a rush.”

The Straits Times

Opposition voices have raised alarms regarding the potential negative impacts of the reform on productivity and labor costs. Some lawmakers suggested that the reform should include a mandatory two days of rest for every five worked, arguing that the current proposal does not adequately address the needs of workers. Industry groups have also expressed fears that the changes could diminish competitiveness in the labor market.

The Straits Times

A notable aspect of the reform is the requirement for companies to implement electronic time tracking systems to monitor working hours. This provision aims to enhance compliance and accountability, moving away from informal tracking methods that have been common in many organizations. Experts suggest that this shift could transform how companies manage labor, potentially turning compliance into a competitive advantage through improved operational efficiency.

Electronic Time Tracking and Mexico’s 40-Hour Workweek Reform

As the reform awaits endorsement from more than half of Mexico’s state legislatures, its implementation will be closely monitored. Companies are encouraged to prepare for the changes by investing in technology and modernizing their time management practices to ensure compliance and maintain productivity.

Electronic Time Tracking and Mexico’s 40-Hour Workweek Reform

• “Productivity is not measured by exhaustion. It is built with dignity,” — Pedro Haces, Ruling Party Representative

The Straits Times

• “The idea of the reform is not bad, but it is incomplete and was done in a rush,” — Alex Dominguez, Opposition Lawmaker

The Straits Times