Mexico Workweek: Efforts to cut Mexico’s working day by eight hours, reducing it to a 40-hour workweek, are likely to face delays, with approval not expected this year. The constitutional overhaul, proposed last year, has encountered resistance from businesses and the center-right opposition National Action Party. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador signaled potential postponement, urging further analysis in Congress and acknowledging the need for more extensive discussions.
Debates on the bill, aimed at enhancing workers’ rights, have faced challenges and now risk extending into early 2024 when Congress reconvenes. The current session concludes on December 13, with a resumption scheduled for February 1. Lawmaker Juan Robledo, who leads one of the lower house committees overseeing the legislation, indicated that there is insufficient time for passage in 2023.
The bill, presented last year, had progressed through one lower house committee in April. However, concerns raised by businesses prompted the creation of forums to broaden discussions on the potential implications of the proposed changes.
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President Lopez Obrador has consistently advocated for workers’ rights, implementing significant increases in the minimum wage. Despite these efforts, the wage gap between Mexico and the neighboring United States remains substantial. Business leaders have called for a gradual implementation of changes to mitigate adverse effects on industries facing tight labor markets. Concerns have also been raised about potential financial challenges for small and medium-sized businesses.
Business association Canacintra’s president, Esperanza Ortega, estimated that reducing the working week could increase costs by 10% to 20%, impacting the final consumer. Lorenzo Roel, head of the labor commission at Mexico’s powerful CCE business lobby, suggested that the legislation might necessitate hiring 2.6 million workers at reduced hours, incurring an additional cost of $20 billion for companies.
Within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Mexico has the least favorable balance between personal life and work. With the longest working hours (2,226 hours annually, approximately 500 hours more than the OECD average), Mexico faces challenges in improving labor productivity and salaries within the group. The delay in approving the 40-hour workweek reflects the complexities of balancing workers’ rights and economic considerations in the Mexican context.
Our Reader’s Queries
What is the typical work week in Mexico?
As per the shift schedule, the employee is required to adhere to the maximum working hours. For day shifts, it is 48 hours per week, for night shifts, it is 42 hours per week, and for mixed shifts, it is 45 hours per week. It is important to follow these guidelines to ensure a healthy work-life balance.
Is Sunday a day of rest in Mexico?
In Mexico, wages are calculated based on a seven-day week. However, employees are entitled to a mandatory day of rest, preferably on Sundays, after every six-day work period with full pay. If an employee works on a Sunday, they are eligible for a 25% bonus on their daily wage.
How many hours a day do you work in Mexico?
Mexico’s labor regulations categorize work hours into day, night, and mixed shifts. Employers may request employees to work on Saturdays, but they cannot exceed the maximum weekly work hours without receiving overtime pay. The standard work week in Mexico spans from Monday to Saturday, with 8 hours of work per day.
Which countries have a 6 day work week?
Although not as widespread in some regions, the six-day workweek remains a common practice in certain industries, particularly in countries such as Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and India. This work schedule requires employees to work longer hours, often surpassing the typical eight-hour workday.