Mexico has passed a major labour reform that will reduce the standard work week and guarantee workers a mandatory paid day off. The reform, backed by President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government, cuts the legal work week from 48 hours to 40 hours.
Lawmakers in the lower house approved the bill with 469 votes in favour, while the Senate had already cleared it unanimously. The reform is being seen as a significant pro-worker step by the government.
Under the new law, the shift to a 40-hour work week will begin in 2027 and continue gradually until 2030. Once fully implemented, the change will effectively create a five-day work week for many employees.
The reform also introduces one mandatory fully paid day off for every six working days. Currently, Mexican workers are not guaranteed such paid weekly rest.
The law further tightens overtime rules. Workers under 18 years of age will not be allowed to work overtime. For adults, overtime will be capped at 12 hours per week, with higher compensation rates. Double overtime must be paid at 100 percent above the regular wage, while triple overtime requires 200 percent extra pay.
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Despite strong political support, several business groups have opposed the reform. They argue that reducing working hours could increase labour costs and hurt national productivity.
Some opposition lawmakers have also raised concerns, saying the reform should have gone further by guaranteeing two weekly days off instead of one.
Even with the criticism, the Sheinbaum government has defended the move as an important step toward improving workers’ rights and aligning Mexico with other Latin American countries that have already reduced standard working hours.
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