Mexico prepares for 40-hour workweek by 2030 in major labour overhaul
Al Jazeera • • world
Key Points:
- Mexico's Chamber of Deputies passed a bill to gradually reduce the standard workweek from 48 to 40 hours by 2030, with strong legislative support and no opposing votes on the bill's broad outline.
- The reform allows employers to increase weekly overtime hours and maintains the current minimum rest day requirement, drawing criticism that the reduction in standard hours may be offset by more overtime.
- The law is expected to benefit approximately 13.4 million workers and was introduced by President Claudia Sheinbaum, with supporters emphasizing improved productivity through dignity rather than exhaustion.
- Critics argue the bill is incomplete and rushed, pointing out Mexico's poor work-life balance, low labor productivity, and high informal employment despite long working hours.
