After weeks of dialogue between the business, labor, and government sectors, they agreed to increase the general minimum wage by 13% and by 5% in the border zone, exceeding market expectations. Marath Bolaños, Secretary of Labor and Social Prevention, explained this Wednesday during the morning conference that with this increase, the general minimum wage will rise from 278.80 pesos to 315.04 pesos per day. "We calculate that the minimum wage has recovered 154.2% of its purchasing power during the 4T administration. In real terms, this is the highest level on record since 1980," he said. Labor poverty has fallen to its lowest level in years, but it still affects three out of ten Mexicans. The increase exceeds the expectations of some analysts, who projected an 11% increase, which is already contemplated in inflation expectations for 2026, which are around 3.7% according to the latest census conducted by Citi. However, President Claudia Sheinbaum dismissed the idea that this 13% increase would represent any inflationary pressure, assuring that there had been dialogue between the Ministry of Finance and Banxico. On the other hand, this morning the initiative to reduce the workweek from 48 to 40 hours was also presented, which will be referred to Congress after intense dialogue tables among different sectors of society. The plan is to establish 40-hour workweeks at a constitutional level, without implying a reduction in salaries, wages, or benefits, and to prohibit minors from working overtime, with a gradual implementation. In monthly terms, this represents 9,582.47 pesos. In the border zone, the minimum wage will rise from 419.88 to 440.87 pesos per day or 13,409.80 pesos per month. "It increases productivity and will benefit 13.4 million workers," the official said. "Reducing the workweek brings benefits for workers, economic units, and the general economy," he added. In this regard, the official explained that with this increase, the goal of reaching 2.8 basic baskets in this region of the country has now been met.
