A legislative reform to reduce the workweek to 40 hours has progressed unanimously in Mexican Senate committees, but it does not guarantee two days off per week.
The reform seeking to reduce the workweek to 40 hours in Mexico has made strides in the Senate's united committees for Constitutional Points, Labor and Social Welfare, and Legislative Studies, passing unanimously. The proposed changes will implement the 40-hour work week gradually, aiming for full compliance by 2030. However, the legislation notably lacks a provision that would mandate two days of rest per week for every five days of work, which raises concerns regarding the work-life balance for many employees. Additionally, the maximum number of overtime hours that can be worked has been increased from nine to twelve.
Senator González Yáñez from the ruling party, the Labor Party, admitted that further efforts will be necessary to advocate for the inclusion of mandatory two rest days each week, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by workers in terms of rights and fair labor conditions. This reflects a broader struggle within the labor movement in Mexico, where many workers continue to advocate for improvements in working conditions amid changing economic and social landscapes. The absence of guaranteed rest days from the legislation will likely prompt further debates and potential revisions as the reform progresses towards a full Senate vote.
The only amendment approved by the committees was the inclusion of inclusive language in the reform proposal, substituting the term "los menores de edad" with "las personas menores de 18 años," which was proposed by Senator Martha Lucía Micher. This minor adjustment signifies a sensitivity towards gender-inclusive language in legislative texts but does little to address the more pressing issues of labor rights that advocates are campaigning for. As the reform advances, the conversation about workers' rights in light of contemporary challenges remains critical in shaping future labor policies in Mexico.
