Mexico’s lower house approves bill cutting workweek to 40 hours by 2030

Mexico's Congress approved a bill late on Tuesday in Mexico City to gradually reduce the workweek from 48 to 40 hours by 2030, overcoming significant resistance from unions despite the reform having already passed the Senate earlier in the month where the ruling Morena party holds a strong majority. The legislative move represents a significant labor reform in Mexico, which currently has one of the longest standard workweeks among developed economies. The bill outlines a gradual transition period that will extend over several years, allowing businesses and workers to adjust to the new schedule. The proposal has been championed by labor rights advocates who argue that a reduced workweek would improve work-life balance, increase productivity, and reduce burnout among Mexican workers. The approval comes amid growing global conversations about work-life balance and labor reforms, with several countries considering or implementing shorter workweeks. While Mexico's business sector has expressed concerns about potential productivity impacts and increased operational costs, supporters of the bill emphasize that other nations with shorter workweeks have demonstrated that reduced hours can lead to greater efficiency and employee satisfaction.