Mexico Approves 40-Hour Workweek: Labor Reform & Impact

Mexico’s Senate has overwhelmingly approved a landmark labor reform that would reduce the country’s legal workweek from 48 hours to 40, a move proponents say will improve work-life balance and boost productivity. The bill, backed by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, passed with 121 votes in favor and none against on Wednesday, February 11th, 2026.

The legislation now moves to the Chamber of Deputies, where the ruling Morena party and its allies hold a majority, increasing the likelihood of its passage. If approved by the lower house, the reform will amend Mexico’s Federal Labor Law, formally establishing a shorter standard workweek for employees nationwide.

The move represents a significant shift in Mexican labor policy, bringing the country closer in line with international standards. Currently, Mexico has one of the longest average workweeks among OECD nations. Supporters argue that reducing working hours will address worker burnout, enhance well-being, and create more equitable working conditions. The initiative aims to improve employees’ health and work-life balance, aligning Mexican labor standards with international benchmarks.

The constitutional amendment initiative was initially submitted to the Senate on December 3rd, 2025, by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo. The proposed implementation is phased, with the maximum weekly working hours reduced to 46 hours in 2027, 44 hours in 2028, 42 hours in 2029, and finally reaching 40 hours in 2030.

Crucially, the amendment stipulates that the reduction in working hours will not result in any decrease in wages or employment benefits. It also strengthens protections for minors by expressly prohibiting overtime work for underage employees. The phased implementation is designed to allow businesses time to adjust their operations, shifts, and internal organization.

The reform also addresses overtime work, making it voluntary and permitting it within a range of nine to twelve hours per week. Any hours exceeding that threshold would be compensated at triple pay, capped at a maximum of four additional hours. The combined ordinary and overtime working time will be limited to twelve hours in a single day.

While the Senate vote was unanimous in favor, the proposal has faced some resistance. Business groups are closely monitoring the development, anticipating potential challenges in adjusting staffing models and operational strategies to comply with the new 40-hour limit. The Industry Policy (IP) group has called for incentives to help offset potential increases in labor costs.

However, proponents maintain that the long-term benefits – including increased employee satisfaction and potential productivity gains – will outweigh any short-term adjustments. Evangelina Moreno, a prominent figure involved in the legislative process, celebrated the Senate’s decision as a historic advancement towards a more balanced and humane working environment.

The approval in the Senate marks a major milestone in Mexico’s broader labor reform agenda. The initiative builds on existing efforts to improve worker rights and protections, and reflects a growing global trend towards shorter working weeks. Several European countries have experimented with or implemented reduced workweek models, citing positive impacts on employee well-being and productivity.

The potential economic implications of the reform are still being assessed. Analysts suggest that companies may need to invest in automation or hire additional staff to maintain output levels with a shorter workweek. However, the reform could also stimulate job creation and boost consumer spending as workers have more leisure time.

The proposed constitutional amendment is scheduled to enter into force on May 1st, 2026, setting the stage for a gradual transition to a 40-hour workweek across Mexico. As the bill advances to the lower house, all eyes are on the final legislative vote, which could soon reshape the working lives of millions of Mexican workers.