Proposal to Reduce the Workweek from 48 to 40 Hours

As of December 3, 2025, the Federal Executive submitted a constitutional and statutory reform initiative to gradually reduce the workweek in Mexico.

The initiative proposes the following:

a) Ordinary weekly work schedule of a maximum of 40 hours

• The minimum weekly rest principle remains: at least 1 day of rest for every 6 days worked.

• The daily cap by type of work shift remains: 8 hours for daytime, 7 for nighttime, 7.5 for mixed.

b) Overtime work

• Maintains the criterion of paying overtime with a 100% premium over ordinary time.

• Establishes that overtime may not exceed 12 hours per week, with the possibility of distributing it up to 4 hours per day over a maximum of 4 days.

• If the permitted limit is exceeded: the excess may not be more than 4 hours per week and requires payment of a 200% premium over ordinary hours.

• An additional cap is added: ordinary + overtime work may not exceed 12 hours per day.

• A prohibition is incorporated: minors under 18 may not work overtime.

c) Electronic working-time record (new employer obligation)

• A new obligation is proposed: to electronically record each employee’s working time, including start and end time, and provide it to the authority when requested.

• The STPS would issue general provisions to define the scope of application and exceptions.

d) Transitional provisions (effective dates and gradual implementation)

• Effective date of the reformed Federal Labor Law: May 1, 2026.

• An adjustment period for employers is contemplated from May 1 to December 31, 2026 to adapt processes.

• Gradual reduction of the ordinary workweek:

• Gradual implementation of overtime (weekly cap on overtime hours): 

• Provisions on the recordkeeping obligation would enter into force as of January 1, 2027. 

Based on the foregoing, we suggest a preventive plan: 

1.- Diagnosis of actual working hours and overtime by position/area. 

2.- Scenario modeling for 2026–2030 (headcount, shifts, productivity, cost). 

3.- Compliance roadmap for electronic recordkeeping (system, policies, internal audit and response to inspections).