Mexico has recently passed a legislation aimed at reducing the standard workweek from 48 to 40 hours by the year 2030. This reform received substantial backing in Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies, with 469 of the 500 deputies voting in favor during a late Tuesday session. There were no opposing votes, though the bill did face nearly ten hours of discussion due to some raised concerns.

Details of the Reform

The implementation of the new workweek will be gradual, decreasing by two hours annually beginning next year. While the overall work hours are set to decline, the law enables employers to increase permitted overtime, raising concerns among critics that the reduction may lead to longer hours elsewhere. Additionally, the law maintains the current stipulation of one mandatory rest day for every six days worked, leaving some unable to benefit from the reform fully.

Presidential Initiative and Economic Context

President Claudia Sheinbaum initially introduced this proposal in December 2025, anticipating benefits for approximately 13.4 million workers across the nation. The ruling Morena party has praised the approval of this bill, highlighting the long discussions and negotiations held with business leaders over the years. Advocates argue that productivity should not be equated with overexertion, asserting that it is fostered through dignity and respect in workers’ rights.

Challenges Facing the Workforce

Mexico, the second-largest economy in Latin America with a gross domestic product of roughly $1.86 trillion, has been criticized for having one of the poorest work-life balances among OECD countries. Mexican workers are currently logging an average of over 2,226 hours per year, alongside facing the lowest labor productivity and wages among the OECD’s 38 member states. Furthermore, about 55 percent of the workforce remains in the informal sector, lacking the protections afforded to formal employees.

Opposition and Next Steps

Some opposition politicians argue that the newly approved bill does not adequately address necessary reforms. Lawmaker Alex Dominguez from the opposition PRI party stated that while the reform’s concept is valid, it is incomplete and has been rushed through the legislative process. Following its approval by the Chamber of Deputies, the bill must now receive endorsement from two-thirds of Mexico’s state legislatures to be enacted.

Regional Context: Argentina’s Contrasting Approach

As Mexico advances towards a shorter workweek, Argentina is pursuing the opposite strategy. Faced with labor shortages and economic stagnation, Argentine President Javier Milei has backed a contentious proposal to extend the workday from eight to twelve hours while also restricting overtime pay. Recently, Argentina’s lower house of Congress narrowly advanced this labor reform, which is expected to undergo final approval by the Senate shortly.

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