The reduction of the working day in Mexico is close to becoming a reality, putting an end to long periods of work without adequate rest for Mexican workers. According to studies, having fewer working hours generates many benefits in the company’s production. Currently, crucial days are underway for this to become a reality. In the following note from Depor, you will find out the deadline, what the proposal to reduce working hours consists of and when it will be official.
Thanks to the perseverance of the workers, it will finally be determined if a change in this lifestyle occurs. The working hours in Mexico are the longest among all members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The last time the working day was modified in Mexico was in 1917, which gives great relevance to the proposed reform to article 123 of the Political Constitution and has generated an intense debate in recent months. This modification has captured the public’s attention and has become a topic of widespread interest.
The discussion around this reform has addressed various aspects, such as the reduction of the working day from 48 to 40 hours per week, which could have a significant impact on the lives of Mexican workers and the labor dynamics of the country. Likewise, the reform has generated debates about labor rights, productivity and competitiveness in the Mexican labor market.
How many hours of work are you seeking to reduce in Mexico?
The proposed modification to the Federal Labor Law aims to alter section A of article 123 of the Political Constitution of Mexico, specifically with regard to days of rest and the reduction of the working day. In this context, it is proposed:
- Reduce the length of the work week from 48 to 40 hours.
- Grant two days of rest for every five days worked.
Day and where to see the final decision of the Labor Day in Mexico?
The crucial decision, whether immediate or gradual, will be taken on Tuesday, November 21, 2023. However, it is essential to highlight that before this date, on Monday, November 13, the last Dialogue Table will be held in the Chamber goes down with the theme “Employment, Working Hours and Production Standards in Mexico”, starting at 5:00 p.m.
In the most recent session of the Dialogue Table, held on Monday, November 6, Mario López Roldán, director of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), stressed to legislators the importance of reducing the working day of 48 to 40 hours, providing arguments about the benefits that this measure could bring to the economic and social development of the country.
How would the 40-hour work day be approved?
Currently, the opinion has been approved by committees, but the most significant approval is still pending: that of the Plenary Session of the Chamber of Deputies and Senators. For it to be effectively approved and come into force, the support of two-thirds of the legislators is required or it must be subject to discussion. If modifications are made, they must be voted on and approved. If the proposal is approved by both chambers without changes, it will be sent to the Executive branch and will be published in the Official Gazette of the Federation for its entry into force.
What happens after the 40-hour work day is approved?
For the labor reform to become effective, the process begins with its approval in the Chamber of Deputies, a step that has already been completed. You must then obtain the Senate approval, which has the option to make adjustments or return it to the original camera. Finally, requires approval from at least 17 states of the Mexican Republic to be implemented.
Advantages and disadvantages of reducing the working day in Mexico
According to the most recent statistics from this organization, people in Mexico work 2,226 hours a year, in contrast to the annual average of 1,752 hours for all OECD countries. When it comes to the positive and negative aspects of the 40-hour workday, it is essential to consider the following:
Advantages:
- Improved quality of life: Reducing the working day gives workers more time to dedicate to their family, leisure and personal development, resulting in a significant improvement in their quality of life. In addition, it can contribute to reducing stress and fatigue, with positive impacts on the mental and physical health of employees.
- Higher productivity: Contrary to expectations, the reduction in working hours does not necessarily lead to a decrease in productivity. Studies have shown that those who work fewer hours are more productive as they are more rested and motivated.
- Short-term job creation: The reduction in working hours could require more employees to cover the same work hours, generating a positive impact on the labor market in the short term.
- Benefits for the economy: If workers have more time to spend, this could stimulate domestic demand and therefore benefit the economy. In addition, it could contribute to reducing the gender gap in the workplace.
Disadvantages:
- Costs for companies: The reduction in the working day implies an increase in labor costs for companies, since they will have to pay more overtime or hire more staff to maintain the same production. This could negatively affect the profitability of companies and the economy in general, decreasing incentives for foreign investment.
- Difficulties in certain sectors: Some sectors, such as health or education, could face difficulties in implementing the reduction of working hours, given that they require minimum hours to function properly.
- Long-term effect on wages: Over time, wages could decrease to adjust to the new workday, which could have a negative impact on workers’ quality of life.
How could the reduction of the working day impact Mexico?
According to lawyer Eric Roel Pavón, the reduction of the working day in Mexico could affect micro and small businesses since there would be low productivity and it would cost employers a lot of money.
“The real problem is that there have been a series of modifications to the law that bring a very significant cost to employers and that implies low productivity and high costs, even more so for micro and small businesses. In the long run these could become informal.“said the specialist.