Mexico is on the cusp of a historic change in its labor laws, as the federal government prepares to submit a landmark proposal on November 20 to reduce the standard workweek from 48 to 40 hours. This initiative represents the culmination of a detailed, months-long process that began with a firm commitment from President Claudia Sheinbaum earlier this year.
The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS) is set to deliver the finished proposal to Congress, where lawmakers are expected to begin discussions before the current legislative session concludes. This move is seen as a significant step toward strengthening worker rights and boosting productivity nationwide.
The proposal stems from Sheinbaum’s May 1 pledge to pursue a shorter workweek as part of her administration’s labor agenda. STPS followed with a series of consultation forums through May, June, and July, gathering input from workers, employers, specialists, and international organizations. Deputy Patricia Mercado said the process produced the technical groundwork needed for the reform and confirmed that implementation is expected to be gradual.
Business groups also contributed, including the Mexican Association of Human Capital Companies (AMECH). Its president, Francisco Martínez, emphasized the need for flexible timelines due to the diverse conditions across sectors such as agriculture, retail, and manufacturing. He said AMECH supports the reform and offered assistance to companies preparing for the transition.
A review of the forums found broad agreement in four areas: the potential for better worker protections and productivity; the importance of gradual adoption; the use of pilot programs; and the need for incentives, training, and support for smaller businesses. Differences remain over timelines, cost impacts, and legal adjustments.
Meanwhile, legislative interest has grown. By October, 16 separate proposals related to reducing the workweek had been filed in the Chamber of Deputies, along with contributions from state legislatures such as Baja California. Lawmakers expect that once the President’s draft arrives, earlier versions will be set aside to focus on a single unified text.
As of early November, sources close to the process indicated that the proposal is nearly finalized. Legislators expect to issue a draft opinion before the session ends, allowing the Senate to continue debate in February 2026. While the reform would take time to roll out, some lawmakers believe phased implementation could begin as early as the first quarter of 2026.
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