News|Labour RightsMexico prepares for 40-hour workweek by 2030 in major labour overhaulMexico’s ruling Morena party hailed the bill’s successful passage after years of back-and-forth with business owners.
Mexico has enacted legislation to gradually reduce the standard workweek from 48 to 40 hours. However, concerns have been raised that the reduction may be counterbalanced by increased allowances for overtime hours.
Mexico has enacted legislation to gradually reduce the standard workweek from 48 to 40 hours. However, concerns have been raised that the reduction may be counterbalanced by increased allowances for overtime hours.
The bill was passed by Mexico's Chamber of Deputies with significant support. Out of 500 deputies, 469 voted in favor of the bill's general framework, with none opposing it. The specific provisions were approved with 411 votes.
Despite the substantial support, the decision followed nearly 10 hours of debate, driven by opposition to certain terms within the bill.
The reform is slated to commence next year, reducing workweek hours while allowing employers to increase weekly overtime. There will be no change to the mandated minimum rest days, which currently require one rest day for every six days worked. The reduction in workweek hours will be phased in by two hours per year until 2030.
Mexico has enacted legislation to gradually reduce the standard workweek from 48 to 40 hours.
Introduced by President Claudia Sheinbaum in December, the proposal is expected to benefit approximately 13.4 million workers in Mexico. The ruling Morena party praised its passage, highlighting the extensive negotiations with business owners. Pedro Haces, a Morena representative, emphasized the importance of dignity in productivity.
Mexico, with a GDP of approximately $1.86 trillion, is Latin America's second-largest economy. However, it faces challenges related to work-life balance, with an annual average of 2,226 work hours per person, the lowest labour productivity, and wages among OECD countries. About 55% of the workforce is in the informal sector, lacking legal protections.
Some opposition members criticized the bill as incomplete. Alex Dominguez of the PRI party noted that the reform's intent is sound but expressed concerns about its rushed implementation.
The bill requires approval from two-thirds of Mexico's state legislatures to become law.
In contrast, Argentina, Latin America's third-largest economy, is considering extending the workday from eight to 12 hours. A controversial bill on this matter narrowly passed Argentina’s Chamber of Deputies and awaits Senate approval.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.