The Index proposal on reducing working hours in Mexico considers that this should be done gradually and by consensus between the public and private sectors.
The immediate precedent: the labor reform in Mexico proposed by President Claudia Sheinbaum seeks to reduce the work week from 48 to 40 hours. It aims to improve workers’ quality of life. Its implementation will be gradual until 2030, with consultations with unions, employers, and workers to define schedules and breaks.
Index proposal
“The Index (National Council of the Export Manufacturing Industry) believes that the reduction of the working week to 40 hours announced by the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare should be implemented gradually and in consensus between the public and private sectors,” the organization said in a fact sheet on Thursday.
Created as a civil organization in 1973, the Index represents some 1,400 companies with IMMEX programs. There are around 6,400 such companies in the country.
The Council contributes 3.3 million direct jobs and nearly 6 million indirect jobs.
“The well-being of workers is a priority for the Index, which is why we are keeping a close eye on developments in this area and remain open to dialogue,” it added.
A note from Index: “A decision like this, if implemented immediately, could have a considerable impact, especially on small and medium-sized enterprises, also generating an (adverse) effect on the industrial sector. This measure would affect states with high economic formality, many of which are where Index and its member companies have a presence.”
Changes in the labor sector
The Federal Labor Law changed on April 4, 2024. New penalties were established for employers who violate the law. Then, on September 30, an amendment was enacted. It declares October 1 a mandatory day of rest every six years, in line with the change in federal administration.
In December 2024, three additional amendments were approved. First, they seek to eliminate the gender pay gap. Second, they protect workers’ access to adequate seating in their workplaces. Finally, they regulate digital platform employers. This includes protecting the labor rights of delivery workers and mobile app drivers.