In a significant announcement made on May 1, 2025, during the International Labor Day celebrations at the National Palace, Mexican Secretary of Labor Marath Bolaños revealed that the country will gradually implement a 40-hour work week, aiming for full realization by January 2030. This initiative, instructed by President Claudia Sheinbaum, seeks to address a long-standing demand from the Mexican populace for improved working conditions.
"We will gradually reduce the work week to reach a total of 40 hours by January 2030 at the latest," Bolaños stated, underscoring the importance of this change for the well-being of workers. He emphasized the need to find a balance between work, rest, and leisure, noting, "We must work to live and not live to work." This sentiment reflects a broader movement towards enhancing labor rights in Mexico.
To facilitate the transition, national forums will be held from June 2 to July 7, 2025, where workers, employers, and other stakeholders will discuss the necessary reforms and adjustments to implement the new work week structure. Bolaños confirmed that these forums aim to foster a collective dialogue that will lead to a fair and effective model for the 40-hour work week.
President Sheinbaum, who attended the event alongside union leaders, reiterated the commitment of her administration to labor rights. She stated, "All these major reforms in Mexico have been achieved through consensus, and we want this to be a reform by consensus as well." She acknowledged that the transition to a 40-hour work week cannot happen overnight, but emphasized the importance of working together to ensure better working conditions for all Mexicans.
Sheinbaum also highlighted the ongoing efforts to raise the minimum wage, which currently allows workers to afford only 1.8 basic food baskets, with the goal of increasing it to cover 2.5 baskets. "The minimum wage must continue to rise to ensure that it meets the basic needs of workers," she stressed. This commitment to improving economic conditions for workers reflects a broader strategy aimed at addressing poverty and enhancing quality of life.
In addition to the work week reduction, the administration is also taking steps to improve conditions for cleaning workers in the federal government, transitioning them into cooperatives to eliminate reliance on outsourcing. "We want all cleaning workers to have better working conditions," Sheinbaum said, highlighting the need for structural changes in labor practices.
Union leaders expressed their support for the initiative, recognizing the potential benefits of a shorter work week. Isaías González Cuevas, secretary general of the Confederación Revolucionaria de Obreros y Campesinos, remarked, "We appreciate that we are moving towards the 40-hour work week. This is important for the working class, and we are ready to collaborate to make this a reality."
However, some critics have pointed out that the gradual implementation timeline until 2030 may be too long, questioning whether sufficient progress can be made within that period. Nevertheless, Bolaños reassured attendees that reducing work hours does not diminish productivity. "Scientific studies have shown that reducing work hours does not decrease productivity; rather, it dignifies the existence of workers," he explained.
The initiative comes at a time when many countries have already adopted similar labor reforms, with nations like Ecuador, Canada, and several European countries operating on a 40-hour work week or less. This context raises questions about Mexico's competitiveness in the global labor market and the urgency of modernizing its labor laws.
As the government prepares for the upcoming forums, there is a palpable sense of anticipation among workers and employers alike. The dialogue aims to create a roadmap that addresses the concerns of all parties involved, ensuring that the transition to a 40-hour work week is both feasible and beneficial.
In her closing remarks, Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of defending workers' rights, stating, "It is always a good time to defend the workers of Mexico." This declaration encapsulates the administration's commitment to labor reform and its broader agenda of social justice and economic equity.
The announcement of the gradual implementation of a 40-hour work week is seen as a pivotal moment in Mexico's labor landscape, signaling a shift towards more humane working conditions. As the country embarks on this journey, the outcomes of the forthcoming forums will be crucial in shaping the future of work in Mexico.
