Mexico City, Dec 4 (EFE).- The Mexican Senate received this Wednesday the initiatives from President Claudia Sheinbaum to reform article 123 of the Mexican Constitution, as well as to modify the Federal Labor Law, with the purpose of reducing the workweek from 48 to 40 hours. In a social media message, the president of the Senate, Laura Itzel Castillo, considered that these are «historic proposals» that respond to one of the most pressing demands of the working people. She reiterated that these reforms represent «a firm step towards a more just, dignified, and balanced work life. It is also a sign of sensitivity and commitment from President Claudia Sheinbaum». The initiative to reform article 123, section A, of the Constitution, was referred to the Joint Commissions on Constitutional Points and Legislative Studies; and the one that amends the Federal Labor Law was sent to the Joint Commissions on Labor and Social Security and on Legislative Studies First. The Government of Mexico presented this Wednesday the guidelines for the initiative to reduce the weekly workweek from the current 48 to 40 hours, a historic change that, according to authorities, «will be the result of broad consensus» and will be implemented gradually between 2027 and 2030. Marath Bolaños, Secretary of Labor, detailed in the presidential press conference this Wednesday that for almost five months, more than 40 forums and work tables were held with the participation of over 2,000 representatives. The official stated that international evidence shows that «reducing the workweek brings benefits not only for workers, but also for economic units and the economy in general». He listed, in this regard, improvements in productivity, social cohesion, health, and work-life balance. The initiative establishes that the 40-hour workweek will be defined in the Constitution and the Federal Labor Law, without implying a reduction in salaries, wages, or benefits, and also prohibits minors from working overtime. The implementation will be gradual: a reduction of two hours per year starting in 2027 until reaching 40 hours in January 2030. The year 2026 will function as an adjustment period for companies and workers.
