Mexico·Labour marketThe 40-hour working week: a gradual cut from 48 hours (2026 reform)
A constitutional reform published on 3 March 2026 writes into article 123 of the Constitution a working week of 40 hours, and its implementing reform of the Federal Labour Law, in force since 1 May 2026, sets the timetable: the legal maximum stays at 48 hours in 2026, then falls by two hours on 1 January of each year, to 46 hours in 2027, 44 in 2028, 42 in 2029 and 40 in 2030, with no cut in wages or benefits. Overtime, paid double, is capped at 12 hours a week by 2030 (9 hours in 2026 and 2027), plus at most 4 hours a week paid triple; workers under 18 may not work overtime. Employers must also record each worker’s working hours electronically, under rules from the Labour Ministry applying from 1 January 2027.
In forcePublished in the Official Journal (evening edition) and in force the same day; it sets the yearly timetable of the reduction and of the overtime cap.Updated: November 10, 2026