Mexico’s federal government will send Congress a proposal to reduce the legal workweek from 48 to 40 hours beginning in 2027, marking the first major change to working-hour regulations in more than a century. The measure will be implemented gradually, cutting two hours per year until reaching 40 hours in 2030. The announcement came as the government, employers, and labor groups also agreed to raise the general minimum wage by 13% in 2026.

President Claudia Sheinbaum says that the planned transition will allow companies to prepare for new requirements during 2026. “It does not imply higher costs for the business sector and is an agreement reached by consensus,” she said during a press conference. The plan was developed after discussions with employers, unions, and workers across 40 roundtables convened by the Ministry of Labor.

The reform seeks to address the long working hours that have historically characterized Mexico’s labor market. More than 13.4 million people work over 40 hours per week, and although the law sets a 48-hour maximum, many employees exceed 56 hours without penalties for employers, reports El País. Marath Bolaños, Minister of Labor, says the reduction aims to support workers while improving workplace outcomes. “The reduction of the workday not only brings benefits for workers, but also for economic units and the economy,” he says.

The initiative also includes restrictions on overtime for minors and would require two mandatory rest days once the 40-hour...

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