MEXICO CITY — Mexico’s national legislature has given final approval to a plan that will gradually shorten the country’s standard work week from 48 to 40 hours over the next several years.
The constitutional amendment, championed by President Claudia Sheinbaum, received overwhelming support in the lower house early Wednesday morning, passing by a margin of 411 to 58. The upper chamber had already given its endorsement earlier this month.
The legislation now moves to Mexico’s state-level assemblies for final ratification, where Sheinbaum’s political party holds commanding majorities.
Rather than an immediate change, the new work schedule will be phased in over four years, cutting two hours annually starting in 2027 until reaching the 40-hour target in 2030. Legislators chose to keep the current structure of one rest day for every six work days, turning down a proposal that would have mandated two weekly rest days.
Government estimates suggest the policy shift will directly impact 13.5 million Mexican workers, though some experts believe the actual number could be significantly higher.
“The gradual implementation should help businesses adjust without hitting their finances,” said Oscar Ocampo from the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness.
The reform will align Mexico with workplace standards already adopted across much of Latin America, Europe, and Asia, where some nations are even testing shortened four-day work schedules.
