The Reduction of the working day in Mexico has generated intense debate and controversy. This change, proposed in a bill approved by the Chamber of Deputies and Senators, seeks to go from a 48-hour work week to 40 hours. This reform is of great importance, since the last time the working day was modified in the country was in 1917, which has generated widespread public interest.
The discussion around this modification covers aspects such as labor rights, productivity and competitiveness in the Mexican labor market. Last April, the Constitutional Points Commission of the Chamber of Deputies approved this reform with significant support, reducing the mandatory work day and increasing the days of rest. However, its entry into force still depends on approval in the Plenary Session of the Chamber of Deputies and Senators.
Concerns have been raised about how this reduction could affect micro and small businesses, as it could imply a decrease in productivity and higher costs for employers, which could drive some companies into informality.
Working hours in Mexico 2023: from 48 to 40 hours per week
Last April, an important review of Mexico’s labor legislation was carried out by the Constitutional Points Commission of the Chamber of Deputies. This reform, which deserves special attention, received the support of 27 votes in favor and only 5 abstentions. Its main objective was to modify article 123 of the Mexican Political Constitution, which focused on work hours. As a result of this modification, it was possible to reduce the mandatory work week from 48 to 40 hours, in addition to extending the days of rest from one to two. This modification represents an important change in Mexican labor legislation and has sparked great interest and debate in the country.
What would be the approval process for the 40-hour work day?
So far, the project has been approved in committees, but the most crucial approval is still missing: that of the Plenary Session of the Chamber of Deputies and Senators. For the reform to become law, the support of two-thirds of legislators or a public discussion is needed. If changes are made, they must be voted on and approved. If it is approved without alterations by both chambers, 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 is the current labor regulation in Mexico?
Current labor regulations in Mexico establish a 48-hour work week distributed over six days, with the provision of one day of rest. According to what is established in the Constitution, “for every six days of work, the worker must enjoy at least one day of rest.”
They are divided into three work shifts in companies:
- Daytime: This workday takes place between 6:00 am and 8:00 pm, with a total duration of eight hours.
- Night shift: The work schedule on this shift is from 8:00 pm to 6:00 am, and the maximum duration of the work day is seven hours.
- Mixed shift: This shift includes a day of approximately seven and a half hours.
Which nations have implemented a work week of around 40 hours?
Reducing work hours drives greater efficiency by shifting the focus from quantity to quality. In Mexico, employees have little time to spend with their loved ones or to participate in activities that promote their personal development.
This restriction has consistently generated dissatisfaction and contributed to stagnation in job advancement. Below we mention some countries that have adopted a work week of approximately 40 hours:
- USA
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Germany
- France
- Spain
- Ecuador
- Italy
- Japan
- South Korea
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Chili