Source: L&E Global
Mexico is moving forward with a proposed constitutional amendment to reduce the maximum weekly working hours from 48 to 40. The amendment, currently under the congress review, would mandate two days of rest per week and aims to improve employees’ well-being while aligning with international labour standards. While the government has committed to a gradual implementation by 2030, the private sector warns of increased labour costs of up to 36%.
The administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum has introduced a significant constitutional amendment aimed at reducing the maximum legal working time in Mexico from 48 to 40 hours per week. The proposal seeks to modernise national labour standards in line with international frameworks and to promote healthier working conditions for the Mexican workforce.
This amendment would represent a landmark revision to Mexico’s constitutional labour framework, which has remained largely unchanged for over a century. The government has proposed a phased implementation plan, concluding in January 2030, to allow for institutional adaptation and economic adjustment.
Legislative Process and Stakeholder Engagement
Public consultations and technical forums are scheduled between 2 June and 7 July 2025. These dialogues will involve representatives from labour unions, employers, academia, and civil society, and aim to build consensus around the reform’s scope and practical implications.
Economic Impact and Private Sector Concerns
Business groups, including the Centre for Economic Studies of the Private Sector (CEESP), have voiced concerns about the potential cost implications. Employers who opt to maintain current production levels through overtime could see labour costs rise by as much as 36%, while hiring additional personnel may result in a 22% increase. These challenges are expected to disproportionately affect micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (PYMEs), already managing cost pressures from recent increases to the minimum wage, pension obligations, and vacation entitlements.
Government Stance and Labour Rights Advancement
Federal authorities, including the Labour and Social Welfare Ministry (STPS), maintain that the amendment will not negatively impact productivity or economic value generation. On the contrary, it is expected to enhance employees’ quality of life and align Mexico with global labour standards.
The Labour Minister Marath Bolaños has stated that the amendment will benefit nearly 48% of the formal workforce and follows the precedent of recent labour transformations, such as the ban on outsourcing and wage hikes. Authorities maintain that reduced working hours can enhance productivity, reduce burnout, and improve quality of life, without undermining economic output.
Conclusion
This proposed amendment reflects Mexico’s broader effort to modernise its labour regime through structured, inclusive reform. While implementation may present operational and financial challenges for employers, especially PYMEs, the government’s commitment to a gradual, participatory process offers a pathway to ensure both economic viability and enhanced labour protections. If enacted and effectively managed, the 40-hour workweek could mark a generational shift in labour rights in Mexico.
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