Dear clients and friends,
On December 3, 2025, the Executive Branch submitted to the Senate of the Republic a package of two initiatives regarding the reduction of working hours: one amending Article 123 of the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States (CPEUM), and another amending the Federal Labor Law (LFT).
The initiatives were referred to the Legislative Committees for analysis, study, and preliminary decision, to be later discussed and voted by the Senate Chamber. Once the Reform is approved in the Senate—likely during the next ordinary session period, between February and April 2026—it will be sent to the Lower Chamber for review.
Approval by both Chambers is required for the enactment and publication of the corresponding Decree in the Official Federal Gazette, which will specify the effective date of this Labor Reform.
Key points of the initiative on reducing working hours include:
• Gradual reduction of the workweek to 40 hours, starting January 1 of the corresponding year, as follows:
|
• The maximum duration of the regular workweek will be 40 hours.
• Daily working hours: up to 8 hours (day shift), 7 hours (night shift), and 7.5 hours (mixed shift).
• Overtime may be required under extraordinary circumstances, paid at 100% above the regular hourly rate. Overtime may not exceed 12 hours per week, distributed as up to 4 hours per day, on a maximum of 4 days per week (increasing the current limit from 9 to 12 weekly hours).
• Any overtime beyond 12 hours per week may not exceed 4 additional hours, and must be paid at 200% above the regular hourly rate.
• The sum of regular and overtime hours may never exceed 12 hours per day.
• Gradual increase of maximum overtime hours, starting January 1 of the corresponding year, as follows:
|
• Employers will be required to electronically record each employee’s working hours, including start and end times, and provide such records to the authorities upon request.
• The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare will issue general provisions determining the scope and exceptions to the aforementioned obligation.
• It is forbidden that individuals under the age of 18 work overtime.
• In no case will the reduction of working hours imply a decrease in wages, salaries, or benefits for employees.
Companies will need to review and adjust their work processes in accordance with the terms of any Reform that might be approved, enacted and published regarding the reduction of working hours.
We remain at your disposal for any questions or comments regarding this matter.
Labor and Social Security
Elisa Cortés / elisa.cortes@ecrubio.com
Perla Arreola / perla.arreola@ecrubio.com
Ana María Becerra / ana.becerra@ecrubio.com
Alma Oviedo / alma.oviedo@ecrubio.com
Eduardo Cortés / eduardo.cortes@ecrubio.com
Isaac Corral / isaac.corral@ecrubio.com
Javier Canseco / javier.canseco@ecrubio.com
Raúl Lara Maiz / raul.lara@ecrubio.com
Roberto Alvarez Malo / roberto.alvarezmalo@ecrubio.com
Rogelio Sánchez / rogelio.sanchez@ecrubio.com
Antonio Flores / antonio.flores@ecrubio.com
Reynold González / reynold.gonzalez@ecrubio.com
Adriana Gómez / adriana.gomez@ecrubio.com
Francisco Navarrete / francisco.navarrete@ecrubio.com
Gustavo Carrillo / gustavo.carrillo@ecrubio.com
Iván Arriaga / ivan.arriaga@ecrubio.com
Luis Nicolás / luis.nicolas@ecrubio.com
Misael Granados / misael.granados@ecrubio.com