Mexico has approved a reduction in working hours to 40 hours per week, with phased implementation beginning in 2570.

Mexico has approved a reduction in working hours to 40 hours per week, with phased implementation beginning in 2027. The new system will also include at least one paid day off per week. Over 13 million workers are expected to benefit.

On February 25, 2026, at 7:08 AM, Bloomberg News reported that: Mexican lawmakers unanimously passed a labor-friendly reform law that will gradually reduce weekly working hours. This is considered another significant victory for the left-wing coalition government that holds power.

The law, supported by President Claudia Sheinbaum, would reduce working hours from 48 hours per week to 40 hours within four years, while mandating at least one fully paid day off per week.

Previously, Mexican workers were not guaranteed paid holidays by law, while critics worried that reducing working hours could increase labor costs and impact productivity. Some opposition members even proposed imposing two days off per week.

The bill passed the House of Representatives with 469 votes out of 500 members, with no dissenting votes or abstentions. The Mexican Senate had previously given its approval unanimously as well.

Chibum launched the proposal in December, but faced lobbying from the business sector, causing delays of several weeks. She stated that more than 13 million people would benefit from the law.

According to the law, the reduction in working hours will begin in 2570 and will decrease by 2 hours per week each year until the target of 40 hours is reached.

Both Chibaum and former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador have consistently prioritized policies that support workers, including restricting outsourcing and strengthening labor rights and unions.

The recent passage of the law brings Mexico into line with Chile and Colombia, all of which have left-wing governments and have reduced working hours in recent years.

In Chile, the 40-hour work week was pushed by President Gabriel Boric, with a law passed in 2566 gradually reducing working hours from 45 hours to 40 hours, and will be fully implemented in 2571.

In Colombia, President Gustavo Petro is pushing for a reduction in working hours from 48 to 42 hours without cutting wages or benefits. Meanwhile, in Brazil, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is promoting a similar proposal ahead of the expected October elections. Supporters believe that lower working hours will improve quality of life and increase employment opportunities, while businesses are concerned about the impact on competitiveness. A recent poll found that more than 60% of Brazilians support the idea.

refer : bloomberg.com

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