Mexico to Phase Workweek Down to 40 Hours by 2030 — No Pay Cuts Planned

Mexico's federal government has unveiled a proposal to reduce the statutory workweek from 48 hours to 40 hours without cutting wages or benefits. Labor Secretary Marath Bolaños presented a phased plan that would shave two hours off the workweek each year beginning in 2027, reaching a 40-hour week in 2030.

Timeline and legal route

The administration expects to formally submit the initiative in 2026 after technical consultations with business leaders, unions and labour specialists. Because the change would require a constitutional amendment to Article 123, it must secure votes in both Congress and state legislatures. The draft will be sent to the Senate for debate once submitted.

Background

The effort to shorten the workweek dates back to 2022, when lawmakers from the Morena party and several unions first proposed a 40-hour week. On April 25, 2023, the Constitutional Points Committee in the Chamber of Deputies approved a draft amendment setting a maximum 40-hour workweek and mandating two rest days, but the proposal was not taken up by the full chamber and stalled through late 2023 and 2024 amid political and business concerns.

Reactions

Unions and workers’ groups have welcomed the renewed proposal, describing a shorter workweek as a long-sought measure of social justice that could improve employee well-being. OECD data show Mexico among the countries with relatively long working hours, a factor cited in calls for change.

Business groups initially warned that an abrupt reduction could raise costs, strain small companies and risk layoffs if not accompanied by supporting measures. After further talks with federal authorities, the private sector signalled support for a phased approach, saying the gradual reduction can be implemented without damaging productivity if adequate transitional policies are put in place.

Next steps and considerations

If the government files the proposal in 2026, the Senate debate and subsequent votes at the federal and state level will determine whether the constitutional amendment advances. Policymakers and stakeholders will need to resolve details such as enforcement, sectoral exceptions, transition support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and measures to protect jobs and productivity during the phased reduction.

President Claudia Sheinbaum: The framework was agreed unanimously by government officials, business representatives and unions, according to the administration.

The proposal aims to balance labour improvements with economic stability by phasing in the change and preserving compensation, while the debate will focus on implementation details and protective measures for vulnerable employers and workers.