The Mexican Chamber of Deputies has taken a significant step by approving a reform to Article 123 of the Constitution, which aims to reduce the standard workweek from 48 hours to 40 hours. This initiative, proposed by President Claudia Sheinbaum, garnered nearly unanimous support, highlighting the strong political agreement surrounding measures that bolster labor rights. The reform is designed to be implemented gradually between now and 2030, with specific reductions scheduled each year until reaching the target of 40 hours per week.

Under the new regulation, workers will be entitled to at least one day of paid rest for every six days worked, and there are provisions for overtime pay and a detailed transition timeline. The schedule sets out that the workweek will remain at 48 hours until 2026, then gradually decrease to 46 hours in 2027, 44 hours in 2028, and 42 hours in 2029, ultimately achieving 40 hours in 2030. Importantly, the reform guarantees that this reduction will not lead to any decrease in workers' salaries or benefits.

While the reform appears to be a strong advancement for labor rights and aligns with international recommendations, it presents significant challenges for businesses who may need to adapt their operations and workforce management practices accordingly. The implementation of this reform will require careful monitoring and support to ensure that both workers' rights are expanded and that businesses remain viable and competitive in the changing economic landscape.