Overview
- The initiative would reduce the legal workweek from 48 to 40 hours by cutting two hours per year, reaching the target in 2030, with the first reduction planned for 2027 according to the labor ministry.
- A Morena communications official has promoted a March 1, 2026 start, a date that conflicts with the ministry's timeline and is expected to be clarified during congressional and state-level deliberations in 2026.
- The plan guarantees no reduction in wages or benefits, makes overtime voluntary and capped at 12 hours weekly with no more than 4 per day, pays overtime at double the regular rate, and forbids overtime for minors.
- INEGI data indicate about 13.4 million people work more than 40 hours a week and would be directly affected, as the government cites OIT and comparative studies on health and productivity gains.
- Stakeholders are pressing for adjustments, with legislator Patricia Mercado urging inclusion of a second rest day and a faster vote, while analysts note high informality means many workers may see no immediate change.