Mexico’s 2026 Labor Agenda Addresses Wages, Rights

Mexico’s Ministry of Labor presented the main advances of the federal labor agenda during the National Conference of Labor Ministries (CONASETRA), outlining wage policy results, regulatory reforms, and priorities for 2026. Marath Bolaños, Minister of Labor, said 2025 closes with progress aligned with President Claudia Sheinbaum’s directives and the administration’s focus on social justice.

Bolaños says that changes in wage policy and workplace regulation have been driven by social dialogue, coordination with state authorities, and participation from workers and employers. According to the ministry, the minimum wage increase supports the administration’s goal of enabling minimum-wage earners to cover 2.5 basic baskets. Bolaños adds that the purchasing power of the minimum wage has expanded 154% between 2018 and 2025, driven by a wage policy backed by consensus within the National Minimum Wage Commission.

Bolaños also presented the proposal to reduce the workweek to 40 hours. He says the government and stakeholders have reached agreements for a gradual implementation that aims to improve work-life balance, reduce fatigue, and lower workplace accident rates, with expected benefits for productivity. He asks state officials to communicate the rollout plan to employers and workers in their jurisdictions once Congress approves the measure.

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 initiative also includes restrictions on overtime for minors and would require two mandatory rest days once the 40-hour limit is reached. The government first introduced the idea for public discussion on May 1, as part of a broader labor agenda. However, the change is expected to face operational and economic challenges, particularly in a context of slower economic activity, lower investment levels, and limited job creation.

The Ministry of Labor reported progress in implementing the reform covering workers on digital delivery and service platforms. More than 150,000 workers now have access to social security and labor rights after the reform recognized the existence of an employment relationship in the sector. 

These platform workers are now insured against work-related accidents. Those earning at least the minimum wage become eligible for full benefits, including healthcare, maternity and sick leave, housing contributions, and retirement savings. To determine eligibility, platforms must report worker income to IMSS at the beginning of each month, reports MBN. 

The law also introduces algorithmic transparency requirements. Companies are now obligated to disclose how their digital systems impact task assignments, performance ratings, and sanctions. In addition, the STPS published guidelines for calculating net income based on transport mode, applying exclusion percentages from gross income: 36% for cars, 30% for motorcycles, and 12% for bicycles.

The ministry says the data shows that 99% of platform workers use only one application, countering the idea that most operate across multiple platforms. Officials said the reform positions Mexico among global early adopters of regulation aimed at extending social protection to platform workers.

The Ministry of Labor says it will continue to advance the federal labor agenda through 2026, with a focus on decent work, expanded rights, and strengthened national and international labor standards.