Mexico Launches National Dialogue on Workweek Reform

Marath Bolaños López, Minister of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS), announced a series of regional forums aimed at advancing the national dialogue on reducing the standard workweek. Scheduled from June 19 to July 7, the forums will take place in Mexico City, Nuevo Leon, Jalisco, Baja California, Queretaro, and Quintana Roo. These events will convene representatives from labor unions, the private sector, academia, and international organizations to gather a broad range of perspectives on the proposed reform.

The initiative to shorten Mexico’s workweek from 48 to 40 hours has been gaining momentum, fueled by global labor trends and growing government support. STPS underscored the importance of inclusive dialogue, emphasizing that input from different sectors is critical to shaping a well-rounded and effective reform.

Detailed information on forum locations, schedules, and participation procedures will be released in the coming days. “STPS reaffirms its commitment to promoting work-life balance for all workers and to crafting public policies that drive inclusive economic development,” the Ministry stated.

Minister Bolaños reaffirmed the government’s goal to implement the 40-hour workweek nationwide by Jan. 1, 2030. This phased approach aligns with international best practices already adopted in countries such as Chile and Colombia.

ILO has recommended social dialogue as a central pillar in the process of reducing working hours. The organization also advocates for industry-specific frameworks and increased automation to help businesses adapt to changing labor dynamics.

Originally scheduled to begin in the 2H25, the forums were postponed due to Minister Bolaños’ participation in ILO’s International Labor Conference in Switzerland. With preparations now underway, the forums are expected to set the course for one of Mexico’s most popular labor reforms in decades.