Mexico has taken a significant step toward reducing the statutory workweek, following the approval of a constitutional reform to Article 123 that will gradually reduce the maximum workweek from 48 to 40 hours.
This reform represents one of the most important structural changes to Mexico’s labor framework in decades and will directly impact workforce planning, overtime structures, and operational costs, particularly for manufacturing and multinational employers.
Key aspects of the reform
- A gradual reduction of the weekly workweek to 40 hours by 2030.
- A constitutional limit on overtime of up to 12 hours per week, which may be distributed up to four hours per day.
- A prohibition on reducing employee salaries or benefits as a result of the reduced workweek.
Importantly, the reform includes a transitory provision requiring Congress to amend the Federal Labor Law within 90 days of publication in order to align the secondary legislation with the new constitutional framework.
This means that operational rules governing working time, overtime limits, and scheduling structures will be updated in the coming months.
Key implications for employers:
While the reform will be implemented gradually, employers should begin evaluating its potential impact, including:
- Workforce planning and shift structures.
- Overtime management and labor cost projections.
- Compliance strategies and preventive labor frameworks.
- Operational efficiency and productivity models.
This reform will be particularly relevant for employers operating continuous shifts or labor-intensive operations.
Recommended next steps.
Employers should consider conducting a preventive legal and operational assessment to evaluate current workforce structures and identify potential compliance gaps ahead of the legislative implementation.
Our team is closely monitoring the legislative process and would be pleased to assist in evaluating the potential impact on your operations.
Please let us know if you would like to discuss this reform and its implications for your organization.
Contact
Gerardo Valencia
Adrián Pérez
Sandra Chávez
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