February 12, 2026
The Mexican Senate has backed a bill introduced by President Claudia Sheinbaum to reduce the legal working hours from 48 to 40 per week. The bill, formally introduced in December 2025, aims to gradually implement a 40-hour workweek by reducing working hours by two hours per year until 2030, expanding overtime limits, and mandating one compulsory rest day. The proposal has faced criticism from opposition lawmakers and union leaders, who argue that the loopholes in the bill would not substantially reduce workloads. The bill now moves to the lower house of Congress for the final debate. If the bill passes, the reform will take effect on 01 May.