Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has officially announced the implementation of a reform to reduce the working week from 48 to 40 hours. This long-awaited change aims to improve workers’ quality of life while maintaining productivity levels across industries.
The reform, which has been a key demand of Mexico’s labor movement, is set to be gradually introduced throughout Sheinbaum’s presidency. The government has committed to achieving a mandatory 40-hour workweek by 2030, ensuring a smooth transition for businesses and employees alike. To facilitate this shift, Sheinbaum has called for dialogues between workers, union leaders, business representatives, and academics to determine the best approach for implementation.
Labor Minister Marath Bolaños emphasized that reducing the workweek will not negatively impact productivity but will instead enhance workers’ well-being, family life, and overall happiness. The reform is expected to boost national development by allowing employees more free time while maintaining economic stability.
Despite the positive outlook, the initiative faces resistance from certain business sectors, which have expressed concerns about potential productivity losses and increased labor costs. Some proposals suggest gradual implementation based on company size, while others advocate for pilot programs to assess the impact before full enforcement.
The reform aligns Mexico with global labor standards, as many countries already operate under a 40-hour workweek. If successfully implemented, it could mark a historic shift in Mexico’s labor policies, benefiting millions of workers while fostering a more balanced work-life dynamic.
Source: Excelsior
