President Sheinbaum’s reform would gradually reduce weekly hours from 48 to 40 by 2030.

With 411 votes in favor and 58 against, the Chamber of Deputies on Wednesday approved a constitutional reform proposal sent by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to reduce the workweek from 48 to 40 hours.

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“In line with progress and social welfare, Mexico approved the reduction of the workweek to 40 hours. While Argentina is regressing, the rest of the world is moving forward. A historic day for Mexican workers!,” the Argentine outlet Diagonales commented.

The leftist National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) said the constitutional amendment recognizes that economic development cannot be sustained on the permanent exhaustion of workers, whose fatigue cannot be normalized.

The reform establishes a phased schedule under which the current 48-hour workweek will be reduced by two hours starting in 2027 until it reaches 40 hours in 2030. However, despite demands from the working class, the Mexican Constitution will not establish two days of rest per week.

“For every six days of work, workers shall be entitled to at least one day of rest with pay,” the reform states after clearing Congress.

The constitutional amendment specifies that overtime may not exceed 12 hours per week, distributed in up to four hours per day over a maximum of four days. If this limit is exceeded, companies will be required to pay 200% above the worker’s regular wage. Overtime is also prohibited for employees under 18.

The MORENA caucus said the reform will prevent excessive accumulation of hours during the workweek and provide legal certainty to workers regarding how much overtime may be required.

teleSUR/ JF

Sources: Diagonales – La Jornada – Canal Red

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