Mexico prepares for gradual reduction of weekly workweek to 40 hours

Mexico is preparing for a constitutional reform to gradually reduce the maximum weekly workweek from 48 to 40 hours. The transition is scheduled to begin in 2027, with incremental reductions occurring annually until reaching the 40-hour target in 2030. Under the reform, the maximum hours will be 46 in 2027, 44 in 2028, and 42 in 2029.

Labor leaders, including Edgar Azcuaga Cabrera of the Federación de Trabajadores y Obreros de Tabasco (FTOT), emphasize that the implementation must be orderly to protect worker rights without compromising job stability or business performance. While FTOT noted that recent layoffs have been limited, they highlighted the closure of the Protec plant due to international financial factors, noting that affected workers are receiving legal indemnities.

Business representatives, such as Mauricio Mahbub Tamez of Canaco Servytur, warn that the reduction will pressure costs, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). To adapt, companies may need to reorganize shifts, increase operational efficiency, or adopt automation and digital tools. Sectors such as healthcare and hospitality are expected to face specific logistical challenges in maintaining service continuity under the new schedules.