As Mexico navigates the complexities of modern labor demands, the conversation around the workweek is heating up. The country is poised to potentially reduce its standard work hours from 48 to 40 per week, a change that could significantly enhance the quality of life for workers. This proposed shift has gained momentum under President Claudia Sheinbaum, who has made it a priority since taking office.
The current legal framework, established by the Ley Federal del Trabajo (LFT), outlines three types of workdays: the diurna (daytime), nocturna (nighttime), and mixta (mixed). The diurna workday runs from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a limit of 8 hours. The nocturna spans from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., capped at 7 hours, while the mixta combines both schedules but restricts nighttime hours to a maximum of 3.5 hours, totaling 7.5 hours for the day. Employers are mandated to provide at least one day of rest per week, and any work on Sundays incurs a 25% premium on the daily wage.
As discussions progress, various proposals have emerged to improve working conditions. Among these is a plan for a 40-hour workweek, which would maintain daily shifts of 8 hours but introduce two mandatory days off. Another initiative, introduced in early April 2025, suggests reducing the daily work hours to 7 for all salaried employees. Both proposals are currently under review, with no final decisions made as of April 23, 2025.
Since Sheinbaum's administration began, the push for a shorter workweek has intensified. She has emphasized the need for two mandatory rest days each week, a change that many workers have long sought. However, for these reforms to take effect, modifications to Article 123 of the Constitution and the LFT are necessary. Ricardo Monreal, president of the Political Coordination Board in the Chamber of Deputies, noted, "The 40 hours are a commitment of President Claudia Sheinbaum... I hope that this year we start."
Research indicates that reducing work hours can sustain or even enhance productivity if paired with effective organization and technology. Artificial intelligence predictions suggest that implementing these changes could lead to significant improvements in mental health, work-life balance, and overall satisfaction among workers.
Despite the potential benefits, there are concerns about how such a shift might impact informal sectors and small businesses. The gradual approach to reform aims to address these issues while fostering a more inclusive labor environment. Studies from countries like Germany, Norway, and France, where workweeks of 35 to 40 hours are standard, show that such practices do not hinder economic development.
In the meantime, some companies in Querétaro have taken the initiative by reducing their weekly hours to between 42 and 44, according to a report by El Economista. Esaú Magallanes Alonso, vice president of large companies at the National Chamber of the Transformation Industry (Canacintra), explained that these changes aim to "acclimate workers to a more efficient and just model" without compromising productivity. Automotive, food, and manufacturing sectors are leading the way in adopting shorter work schemes, primarily by eliminating or shortening Saturday shifts.
In the last quarter of 2024, workers in Querétaro averaged 43.1 hours per week, positioning the state as a frontrunner in practical terms toward the proposed 40-hour model. As the national debate continues, Deputy José Alberto Benavides Castañeda has introduced a separate initiative that proposes a maximum daily workday of 7 hours, which could be implemented more swiftly through adjustments to the LFT without requiring constitutional changes. This would lead to a total of 42 hours per week, slightly above the target.
Additionally, Morena is advocating for a reform to Article 63 of the LFT to double the rest period within continuous workdays from 30 minutes to one hour. Senator Julieta Ramírez Padilla argues that the current model is outdated and does not meet the needs of today’s workforce. The International Labour Organization supports these measures as effective ways to reduce stress and enhance performance.
While President Sheinbaum has publicly committed to achieving a 40-hour workweek, no official working groups have been convened by the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare as of April 23, 2025. The road to reform is still unfolding, with many stakeholders eager to see how the landscape of labor in Mexico will change.
The potential shift in Mexico’s labor laws represents more than just a change in hours; it signifies a cultural transformation in how work is perceived and valued. As the nation grapples with these proposals, the dialogue around work-life balance continues to evolve, reflecting broader global trends in labor practices.
In summary, as Mexico stands on the brink of potential labor reform, the focus remains on balancing productivity with the well-being of its workforce. The outcomes of these discussions could set a precedent for labor practices in the region, paving the way for a healthier work environment for future generations.
