Mexico Approves Bill Cutting Workweek to 40 hours by 2030

In MEXICO CITY, Mexico’s Congress on Wednesday approved a major labour reform bill to gradually reduce the legal workweek from 48 hours to 40 hours by 2030, a move aimed at improving work-life balance and modernising the country’s labour standards.

The legislation, which had already won broad approval in the Senate earlier this month, cleared the Chamber of Deputies late Tuesday evening with overwhelming support, reflecting the ruling party’s strong legislative majority.

A Gradual Transition to Shorter Hours

Under the new law, the reduction will be phased in gradually. Beginning in 2027, the standard workweek will shrink each year by two hours from 48 to 46, then 44 in 2028, 42 in 2029, and finally 40 hours in 2030.

This incremental approach is designed to give businesses time to adjust their operations and to soften potential economic disruptions. The reform, championed by President Claudia Sheinbaum, comes after years of debate between lawmakers, private business groups, unions and civil society.

The proposal is expected to affect millions of Mexican workers, particularly those in manufacturing, retail, services and other sectors where long hours are common.

Government Goals and Rationale

Supporters of the reform argue that Mexico has some of the highest annual working hours among members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and that a shorter workweek can enhance quality of life without harming productivity.

President Sheinbaum has framed the measure as part of a broader effort to modernise labour laws, support workers’ well-being and align Mexico with international standards. She and other proponents contend that the phased timetable allows companies flexibility while delivering long-term social benefits.

Controversies and Criticisms

Despite broad legislative backing, the reform has drawn objections from some unions and opposition lawmakers, who argue that it doesn’t go far enough to protect workers. Critics have pointed to provisions that increase allowable overtime from nine to 12 hours per week and maintain only a single paid rest day for every six worked, elements they say undercut the nominal reduction in weekly hours.

Some labour activists have described the reform as “incomplete” or “half-measured,” saying it fails to guarantee two full days off per week for all workers and could allow employers to maintain longer work schedules under the new overtime rules.

Business groups, while largely supportive of the gradual approach, have also expressed concerns about implementation costs and the potential impact on competitiveness and small businesses.

Next Steps: State Approval and Implementation

Because the reform amends aspects of Mexico’s Constitution, it must still be ratified by a majority of state legislatures before becoming law. Once that process is complete, implementation will begin most likely triggering the first reduction in work hours in January 2027.

If fully enacted, the reform will mark the first major change to Mexico’s workweek in more than a century and signal a significant shift in labour policy with implications for workers’ rights, business operations and Mexico’s place in a global economy increasingly focused on productivity and quality of life.

Broader Context

Mexico’s labour reform journey reflects growing international interest in shorter workweeks. Countries across Europe and parts of Latin America have debated and, in some cases, enacted reduced working hours to boost productivity, mental health and work-life balance. While Mexico’s plan stops short of a four-day workweek, its ambitious schedule places it among the most significant labour policy debates in the region.

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