Evaluation of Christmas Bonus Reform Set for 2025

While proposals to increase the Christmas bonus for private sector workers were initially expected to be sent for discussion and voting in the Senate, they will now be evaluated next year, stated Deputy Maiella Gómez, Chair, Labor and Social Security Commission in the Chamber of Deputies. Gómez emphasized that while progress is being made on the Christmas bonus, the current priorities are reducing the workweek and regulating platform-based labor.

So far, two proposals have been introduced to increase the Christmas bonus from 15 to 30 days, as stipulated by the Federal Labor Law (LFT). A key argument in support of these proposals is the disparity between the private sector, where the bonus is 15 days, and the public sector, which provides 40 days. Additionally, lawmakers point out that the calculation base for the Christmas bonus has remained unchanged since 1970, when it was first established as a labor right.

"Currently, the priority is to present the work plan and assess which initiatives assigned to the commission can be expedited. However, these issues are still in the early stages, and more time is needed for a comprehensive evaluation. We do not yet have enough information to confirm whether approval for the Christmas bonus will occur in December," stated Maiella Gómez.

Since October, the LXVI legislature has introduced more than 30 labor-related proposals, with over 10 already assigned to the commission chaired by Gómez.  As the end of 2024 approaches, the commission has identified reducing the workweek and regulating platform-based labor as key priorities. "We have initiatives aligned with federal government commitments, such as regulating app-based work. Another critical area is reducing the workweek, which we are preparing to address in the work plan," explained Gómez.

However, the legislator emphasized that further reforms, including expanding paid time off, paid leave, maternity leave, active breaks during the workday, and other similar measures, will need to be addressed in the coming years as the regulatory framework continues to evolve. "The outgoing government has left a clear legacy in both administration and legislation. The labor reforms have been significant, and it is our responsibility to sustain and build upon them, while preparing for future challenges such as nearshoring. Our task is to identify gaps, chart a course, and incorporate them into a work plan for the next three years," stated Gómez.