The united committees of Constitutional Points, Labor and Social Welfare, and Legislative Studies in the Mexican Senate have unanimously approved a significant constitutional reform that aims to reduce the weekly work hours from 48 to 40. This reform is expected to benefit around 13.5 million workers across the country. It has been introduced by President Claudia Sheinbaum and reflects a long-awaited move to modernize Mexico's labor laws and promote better working conditions for the workforce.

The reform proposes amendments to Article 123, Section A of the Mexican Constitution, implementing a gradual transition between the years 2026 and 2030. The emphasis will be on ensuring public health, social welfare, and the dignified treatment of workers. The 48-to-40-hour reduction is seen as an essential step towards improving the labor situation in Mexico, a country that has historically maintained one of the highest work-hour averages worldwide without corresponding increases in productivity or quality of life.

Senator Martha Lucía Mícher from the Morena party highlighted the importance of this reform, stating it is aimed at leaving behind a labor scheme that has been in place for over a century. The approval in the committee—48 votes in favor—marks a progressive step for labor rights in Mexico, as it seeks to align the country's working conditions with more equitable standards upheld globally. The next step involves presenting this reform to the full Senate for further debate and approval, signaling a pivotal moment in Mexican labor history.