Mexico’s Congress is preparing to debate a constitutional reform that would reduce the maximum workweek from 48 to 40 hours, a move that could mark one of the most consequential shifts in national labor policy in decades. The initiative, expected to be formally introduced in December, seeks to amend Article 123 of the Constitution, which governs labor rights and working conditions.
The proposal is backed by members of the ruling coalition and has been promoted by the Chamber of Deputies’ Labor Commission, chaired by a legislator from Morena. Supporters argue that the reform would bring Mexico closer to international labor standards and improve quality of life for workers. At 48 hours, Mexico currently has one of the longest standard workweeks among OECD countries.
If approved, the reform would establish a new constitutional ceiling of 40 hours per week, aligning Mexico with labor regimes in much of Europe and North America. But constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority in both chambers of Congress and ratification by at least 17 of the country’s 32 state legislatures—an ambitious threshold that will demand cross-party negotiation.
Reducing hours without enforcement risks widening the gap between formal protections and informal realities.
The timing is politically charged. With general elections approaching in 2024, parties are positioning themselves on issues that resonate with workers and unions. For the ruling coalition, advancing labor rights could reinforce its alignment with social justice narratives. For opposition parties and business-aligned legislators, the proposal raises concerns about economic competitiveness and job creation.
Business chambers such as Coparmex have voiced apprehension over increased labor costs, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Employers warn that without accompanying fiscal or regulatory support, the reform could reduce productivity or push more employment into informality—a persistent challenge in Mexico’s labor market.
Some legislators argue that rather than reducing hours across the board, greater flexibility in scheduling and work arrangements would better serve both workers and employers. Legal experts also caution that enforcement mechanisms would need to be significantly strengthened to ensure compliance, especially in sectors where informal labor dominates.
The initiative follows a series of recent labor reforms linked to Mexico’s commitments under the USMCA trade agreement. These include measures to strengthen union democracy and improve wage transparency. The current proposal suggests a broader reorientation of Mexico’s labor governance model—one that places greater emphasis on worker well-being alongside economic efficiency.
Whether this reform advances will depend not only on political arithmetic but also on how convincingly its proponents address concerns about implementation and economic impact. As Congress prepares for debate in December, the outcome may signal how far Mexico is willing to go in redefining its social contract with workers.
