Background and Context
The Mexican Secretariat of Labor and Social Prevision (STPS) has been working on a proposed reform to the Federal Labor Law (LFT), aiming to reduce the standard workweek from 48 to 40 hours. This initiative is set to be presented on September 1st, following six scheduled forums for public discussion.
Forums and Timeline
The STPS has outlined a calendar for the implementation of this reform, which includes six forums from June 19 to July 7. These forums will cover topics such as productivity and wages, labor costs, gradual implementation, work hours globally, and labor well-being. The forums will take place in Mexico City (June 19), Monterrey (June 23), Guadalajara (June 26), Tijuana (June 30), Queretaro (July 3), and Cancun (July 7).
STPS Secretary’s Perspective
During a press conference, STPS Secretary Marath Bolaños emphasized that reducing the workweek to 40 hours is a necessary step in addressing workers’ demands for better work-life balance. He highlighted that this reform, already implemented in other countries, can foster fair working conditions, equitable distribution of labor, and dignity in work.
Economic Concerns vs. Reform
Despite recent economic reports predicting job reductions by 2025 and two consecutive months of cancelling 90,000 jobs, Bolaños expressed optimism about the reform. He pointed out that employment and investments are still being generated, ensuring the commitment to reducing the workweek remains on track.
Gradual Implementation and Sector-Specific Approach
In Mexico, the debate has shifted from whether to reform the work schedule to how to implement it gradually and whether it should be sector-based or regional. Bolaños mentioned that these aspects will be discussed during the forums.
Plural Participation
The STPS Secretary anticipates that the diverse range of actors in the labor world will contribute valuable proposals to enrich the reform initiative. This inclusive approach aims to establish a gradual implementation plan that facilitates workplace adaptation.
Key Forum Participants
Notable participants in the Mexico City forum include the Head of Government, Clara Brugada; Carlos Aceves del Olmo, leader of the Confederation of Mexican Workers (CTM); Francisco Cervantes, President of the Coordinating Council of Business (COPARMEX); Pedro Américo Furtado from the International Labour Organization (ILO); Vicente Gutierrez from CANACO-CDMX; Rodolfo Gonzalez from CROM; Ana Maria Aguilar from the Mexican Business Council (COMCE); and Jorge Mario Martínez-Priva from the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the proposed reform about? The STPS aims to reduce the standard workweek from 48 to 40 hours, addressing workers’ demands for better work-life balance.
- When will the reform be presented? The proposed reform will be presented on September 1st, following six forums from June 19 to July 7.
- What topics will be discussed in the forums? The forums will cover productivity and wages, labor costs, gradual implementation, work hours globally, and labor well-being.
- How will the reform be implemented? The STPS plans to implement the reform gradually, discussing sector-based or regional approaches during the forums.
- Who will participate in the forums? Notable participants include government officials, labor leaders, business representatives, and international organizations.
