Mexico Approves 40-Hour Workweek by 2030

Mexico City – Mexican lawmakers have approved a bill to gradually reduce the workweek from 48 to 40 hours, marking a victory for the ruling Morena party after years of debate. The reform passed the lower chamber with 411 votes in favor and 58 against, following earlier Senate approval. The change will be implemented incrementally, decreasing two hours per year starting in 2027, reaching a 40-hour workweek by 2030. Lawmakers maintained the existing requirement of one day of rest for every six days worked. The initiative, from President Claudia Sheinbaum, could affect as many as 13.5 million workers, though some estimates suggest a larger impact. Despite unanimous approval in the final vote, the bill faced significant resistance from unions who argued it didn’t go far enough to benefit workers. The reform aligns Mexico with trends in Latin America, Europe, and Asia, where shorter workweeks are being explored. The government anticipates the gradual implementation will allow businesses to adjust without significant financial strain. Morena party members hailed the passage as a key labor reform.