Introduction to the Proposal
The Mexican Secretariat of Labor and Social Prevision (STPS) has outlined the process for drafting a reform to the Federal Labor Law (LFT), proposing a reduction in work hours from 48 to 40 per week. This proposal is set to be presented on September 1st, following six scheduled forums for public discussion.
Implementation Timeline
The STPS has laid out a detailed calendar for the implementation of this reform:
- Forums: Six forums are planned from June 19 to July 7, covering topics such as productivity and wages, labor costs, gradual implementation, global work hours, and labor well-being.
- Conclusions: By July 14, the STPS will compile insights from workers, employers, international organizations, and experts.
- Project Submission: The draft legislation will be submitted on July 31 and reach the Federal Congress by September 1, initiating legislative proceedings.
Forum Details and Speakers
The six forums will be held in Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara, Tijuana, Querétaro, and Cancún. Notable speakers include:
- Clara Brugada, Head of Government in Mexico City
- Carlos Aceves del Olmo, Leader of the Confederation of Mexican Workers (CTM)
- Francisco Cervantes, President of the Coordinating Council of Mexican Business (COPARMEX)
- Pedro Américo Furtado, Representative of the International Labour Organization (ILO)
- Vicente Gutiérrez, President of CANACO-CDMX
- Rodolfo González, President of CROM
- Ana María Aguilar, Representative of the Mexican Business Council (COMEX)
- Jorge Martínez-Priva, Representative of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC)
Rationale Behind the Proposal
According to Labor Secretary Marath Bolaños, the proposed reduction in work hours from 48 to 40 per week is a necessary step towards addressing workers’ demands for better work-life balance. He emphasized that this reform aims to promote fairness, equitable distribution of labor benefits, and dignity in work.
Despite recent economic reports predicting job reductions by 2025 and two consecutive months of canceling 90,000 positions, Bolaños expressed optimism about the job market and investments, ensuring that the commitment to reducing work hours remains on track.
Bolaños highlighted that the reform seeks to recognize workers’ well-being beyond income, focusing on available time for life, family, rest, health, leisure, and community participation.
Gradual Implementation and Sector-Specific Approach
The discussion in Mexico now revolves around the gradual implementation of the reform and whether it should be sector-based or regional. Bolaños mentioned that these aspects will be part of the forum discussions.
The diverse range of actors in the labor world will enable the collection of enriching proposals and define a gradual implementation scheme that facilitates workplace adaptation.
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 proposal be presented? The draft legislation will be submitted on July 31 and reach the Federal Congress by September 1.
- Who will participate in the forums? The forums will feature workers, employers, international organizations, and experts from various sectors.
- What are the main topics of discussion? The forums will cover productivity and wages, labor costs, gradual implementation, global work hours, and labor well-being.
- What is the rationale behind this reform? The reform aims to promote fairness, equitable distribution of labor benefits, and dignity in work while recognizing workers’ well-being beyond income.
- How will the reform be implemented? The implementation will be gradual and may vary by sector or region, with input from diverse labor actors.
