Ministry of Labor Outlines Plan to Shift to 40-Hour Workweek

The Ministry of Labor has introduced a legislative proposal to transition Mexico to a 40-hour workweek through a gradual reduction beginning in 2027. The initiative, submitted to the Senate for debate, is expected to benefit 13.4 million workers who currently work 48 hours or more each week.

Marath Bolaños, Minister of Labor, said the proposal is the result of months of technical analysis and tripartite consultations with employers, unions, and academic experts. “The reduction of the workday not only brings benefits for workers, but also for economic units and the economy,” he said, noting that international evidence from the International Labour Organization (ILO) supports phased reductions as a mechanism to improve productivity, reduce fatigue, and decrease workplace accidents.

The Ministry of Labor positioned the initiative as the most significant update to Mexico’s working-hour framework in more than a century. The 48-hour standard, in place for 108 years, has long shaped labor relations in Mexico. Ministry data, supported by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), shows that over 13.4 million workers consistently exceed 48 hours per week, and millions surpass 56 hours, despite legal limits. The ministry argues that the current structure no longer reflects modern labor dynamics or global standards.

To develop the proposal, the Ministry convened more than 40 roundtables between July and November, gathering input from more than 2,000 participants, including representatives of major employer chambers, national unions, academic institutions, and civil society organizations. Officials said the process helped identify operational concerns and informed the design of a multiyear implementation schedule.

Under the reform, the Ministry proposes using 2026 as an adaptation period after legislative approval. The workweek would then decline from 48 hours to 46 in 2027, 44 in 2028, 42 in 2029, and 40 in 2030. The Ministry emphasized that wages would remain unchanged at all stages of the transition. It also proposed a limit of 12 total hours per day, including overtime, to prevent excessive workdays. Overtime paid at double rate would increase from nine to 12 hours per week, while triple-rate overtime would be capped at four hours. The Ministry also seeks to prohibit overtime for minors.

A central component of the proposal is a mandate requiring employers to electronically record working hours. The Ministry said the measure would support accurate overtime payments and strengthen labor authority oversight. Ministry officials added that improved data collection will also support long-term monitoring of productivity, work patterns, and compliance.

The Ministry of Labor argues that the reform contributes to broader goals of improving work-life balance, reducing health risks, and promoting well-being. Drawing on international evidence, the Ministry highlights potential reductions in fatigue-related accidents, improvements in cardiovascular health, and increased time for rest, physical activity, and social interaction. Officials said the reform is aligned with global trends and responds to longstanding demands from workers’ organizations.

Representatives from the Business Coordinating Council (CCE), COPARMEX, Concamin, Concanaco, and national labor confederations such as the CTM, CROM, and CROC attended the Ministry’s announcement. Their presence reflected the Ministry’s attempt to build consensus, though operational adjustments will be further defined during the legislative process. Minister Bolaños said the Ministry will continue facilitating dialogue as Congress reviews the proposal.

The Ministry’s announcement coincided with confirmation of a 13% increase in the general minimum wage for 2026, approved by the National Minimum Wage Commission (CONASAMI), which the Ministry of Labor oversees. The new general daily rate will rise to MX$315.04, while the Northern Border Free Zone will see a 5% increase to MX$440.87. The Ministry has framed Mexico’s wage policy as a multiyear recovery effort that has raised purchasing power by more than 150% since 2018.

According to Ministry figures, the wage adjustment will benefit 8.5 million workers and supports the administration’s objective of ensuring that the minimum wage covers at least two basic consumption baskets. The Ministry said 6.6 million people have exited poverty in recent years partly due to minimum wage increases.

Employer associations expressed support for the Ministry’s wage and workweek initiatives. COPARMEX said the new minimum wage meets the national well-being line and endorsed the gradual workweek reduction, arguing it allows companies time to adjust internal processes. The association highlighted the Ministry’s phased overtime framework—up to 12 hours weekly without exceeding four hours per day—as a balanced mechanism to protect workers while maintaining operational flexibility.

COPARMEX and other business groups also noted that long-term labor stability, legal certainty, energy availability, and security remain essential to sustaining investment. The Ministry acknowledged these priorities and said the new labor framework aims to strengthen formal employment and improve job quality while aligning Mexico with international standards.

If Congress approves the proposal, the Ministry of Labor will lead coordination efforts with employers and unions during the 2026 preparation period. The Ministry says the reform, combined with wage adjustments and enhanced oversight tools, represents a significant step toward modernizing Mexico’s labor structure and establishing more sustainable working conditions.

The initiative will now move into legislative debate, where the Ministry will provide technical input as lawmakers evaluate its operational, economic, and regulatory implications.