Mexico’s Congress Debates Proposal to Cut Workweek to 40 Hours

Members of Mexico's Labor Party (PT) have introduced a legislative proposal to reduce the standard workweek from 48 to 40 hours. This initiative aligns with demands from various social and political organizations, as well as the Fourth Transformation movement.

The proposal seeks to bring Mexico in line with international labor standards. Several countries worldwide, including some in Latin America, have already implemented a 40-hour workweek, according to José Luis Sánchez, Deputy, PT. Additionally, discussions are underway in the United States to potentially reduce the workweek to 32 hours.

Legislators highlight that multiple initiatives on this topic are currently under consideration in Congress, reflecting a growing consensus on the issue. The President has also expressed support for reevaluating the existing workweek structure.

The proposed reform also aims to ensure that a reduced workweek is accompanied by fair and adequate compensation. The goal is to guarantee that workers can support their families without financial strain.

PT lawmakers also advocate for taxing extreme wealth, citing constitutional provisions that require citizens to contribute to public expenses in proportion to their income. Representatives from organizations such as the Alliance Against Inequality and the Front for the 40-Hour Workweek have joined the call for legislative action. They emphasize that reducing working hours is a public policy matter that promotes equitable distribution of wealth and shared responsibilities between men and women.

Legislators have been discussing a reduction of working hours during the past few years. In April 2023, the Constitutional Points Commission of the Chamber of Deputies approved a constitutional reform aimed at establishing two days of rest for every five worked, reports MBN. However, this proposal lacked a clear transition framework. That same year, the Chamber of Deputies held open forums to explore the feasibility of the proposal. However, after the LXV legislature concluded, the project was discarded. 

The debate surrounding the 40-hour workweek was reignited when President Claudia Sheinbaum included it in her administration commitments on her first day in office. "I am confident that we will achieve this. In agreement with employers, we will gradually reach the 40-hour workweek during this presidential term," stated Sheinbaum.