Reduction of Working Hours and Its Implementation in Mexico
The Government of Mexico on Dec. 3, 2025, announced the Amendment Project for the Implementation of the Reduction of the Working Hours, aimed at reducing the weekly work schedule in Mexico from 48 to 40 hours through a gradual scheme that will formally begin in 2027 and conclude in 2030.
The proposal will be presented to Congress for discussion, and the amendment is expected to take effect on May 1, 2026, marking the start of the transition period.
Main Proposed Changes
The amendment project incorporates the key elements outlined below.
Constitutional 40-Hour Workweek
The reduction of the weekly work schedule to 40 hours will be elevated to constitutional status, guaranteeing this right without affecting wages or benefits.
Prohibition of Overtime for Minors
For the first time, it is expressly set forth that minors will not be allowed to perform overtime work.
Gradual Reduction of the Weekly Schedule
The workweek will be reduced by two hours per year, starting Jan. 1 of each year, as follows:
- 2026: Effective date and transition period
- 2027: 46 hours per week
- 2028: 44 hours per week
- 2029: 42 hours per week
- 2030: 40 hours per week
Overtime Work
The following new regulatory parameters are proposed:
- voluntary overtime between 9 and 12 hours per week
- absolute prohibition for minors
- inclusion of a cap of four triple-rate hours, a provision that did not previously exist in the Federal Labor Law
Considerations for Employers
The gradual implementation of the 40-hour workweek represents a structural change in the organization of work in Mexico. For employers, the main challenges will include:
- adjustments to shifts, schedules and operational coverage
- redesign of compensation models, overtime management and labor budgets
- evaluation of staffing, redistribution of workloads and potential need for additional hiring
- adaptation of internal policies, regulations and attendance control systems
- implementation of technological tools for mandatory electronic recordkeeping
- analysis of impacts on productivity, downtime and operational efficiency
Holland & Knight is available to provide advice on diagnostics, impact projections, operational reorganization and regulatory compliance during each stage of this process. Please contact the authors for more information.
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