Key Points:
- Project Introduction: A new bill has been proposed in the Chamber of Deputies to reduce work hours through amendments to the Federal Labor Law (LFT).
- Reduced Workday Proposal: The initiative aims to limit daily work hours to a maximum of seven hours.
- Different Approach:** Unlike previous proposals targeting constitutional changes for 40-hour workweeks (reducing from 48 to 40 hours), this project by Diputado José Alberto Benavides Castañeda (PT) focuses on reducing working hours via LFT modifications.
- Jornada Classification: Under the new scheme, jornadas would be classified as diurna (7:00 AM – 8:00 PM), nocturna (8:00 PM – 7:00 AM), and mixta (combination of both) with a maximum limit of seven hours per day.
- Gradual Transition:**
- 360-day Implementation Period: The Secretariat of Labor and Social Security (STPS) would have 360 days to gradually apply this change, coordinating with the business sector for proper execution.
- Previous Proposals:**
- 365-day implementation followed by six months for legislative harmonization.
- Different timeframes based on company size: 3.5 years for microenterprises, 2 years for small workplaces, 1.5 years for medium companies, and 6 months for large corporations.
- Pilot program (1 year) to gather data and assess productivity before granting the labor authority 180 days to convene workplace committees for gradual transition planning.
- Pending Work Committees: President Claudia Sheinbaum announced analysis meetings in 2025, coordinated by the STPS, to evaluate proposals from businesses and unions regarding a 40-hour workweek reduction. These committees have yet to be convened.
- Enterprise Proposals for Transition:
- Gradual, Sector-specific Reduction:** Customized plans considering each economic sector’s specifics.
- Hourly Minimum Wage and Jornada Differentiation:**
- Implement hourly minimum wages instead of daily ones to ensure flexibility without compromising job security.
- Set distinct rates for diurna, mixta, and nocturna jornadas, acknowledging varying working conditions and labor availability.
- Micro-enterprise Incentives:**
- Tax reductions and social security benefits for small businesses implementing reduced hours without affecting wages.
- Support for digitalization and automation to boost productivity without extending work hours.
- Flexible Work Arrangements:**
- Allow businesses and employees to agree on flexible work arrangements, maintaining job security and fulfilling labor obligations.
Key Questions Remain Unanswered:
How and when will the reduction of work hours be implemented in Mexico, despite ongoing legislative interest and government commitment to this change?
