Mexico’s Senate committees have approved a constitutional reform to reduce the maximum workweek from 48 to 40 hours, marking a significant step in the country’s evolving labour policy. The proposal, backed by President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, now moves to the full Senate for debate before potentially proceeding to state legislatures for ratification.
The reform, passed on February 10 by the Senate committees on Constitutional Points, Labour and Social Welfare, and Legislative Studies, would amend Article 123 of the Constitution. It forms part of Sheinbaum’s broader agenda to improve labour conditions and work-life balance in Mexico.
Labour organisations have expressed cautious support for the initiative but raised concerns about its design. While welcoming the reduction in weekly hours, unions criticised the retention of a six-day workweek with only one day of rest. They argue that this structure falls short of aligning with international standards, where five-day workweeks are more common.
Without mandating two days of rest, the reform risks becoming a symbolic gesture rather than a substantive change.
Further criticism has focused on the potential for extended daily shifts. The reform allows for combined schedules that could reach up to 12 hours per day, raising fears that employers may use overtime provisions to circumvent the intended benefits. Labour advocates warn that such flexibility could undermine the reform’s purpose by normalising longer working days under a nominally shorter week.
“Without mandating two days of rest, the reform risks becoming a symbolic gesture rather than a substantive change,” said one union representative during committee discussions.
Some legislators also questioned the reform’s conceptual underpinnings. Senator Claudia Anaya noted that the proposal does not reference technological or productivity gains—factors often cited in other countries to justify shorter workweeks. Similarly, Senator Alejandro González expressed concern that the absence of mandated rest days and reliance on overtime weakens the rationale for reducing weekly hours.
The reform is structured for gradual implementation through 2030, a timeline that has drawn criticism from labour groups who argue it delays tangible improvements for workers. They contend that such a phased approach may dilute political momentum and reduce accountability over time.
Despite these concerns, the initiative reflects growing pressure within Mexico to modernise labour standards in line with global practices. The debate highlights broader tensions between enhancing worker protections and maintaining economic competitiveness in an increasingly integrated global economy.
If approved by the full Senate and ratified by a majority of state legislatures, the reform would mark one of the most significant changes to Mexico’s labour framework in decades. However, its ultimate impact will depend not only on legislative approval but also on how its provisions are implemented in practice.
