Introduction to the 40-Hour Workweek Initiative
Four public forums have taken place regarding the implementation of a 40-hour workweek in Mexico, out of six initially promised by the Secretariat of Labor and Social Prevision (STPS). Through these forums, various sectors have presented their proposals and demands, converging on a common theme: gradual implementation accompanied by additional measures.
Gradual Implementation: The Common Ground
All parties agree on the gradual approach to transitioning towards a 40-hour workweek. The STPS aims to achieve this goal by 2030, while labor unions propose reaching the limit by 2027. Meanwhile, the business sector suggests reducing work hours by one hour per year, indicating a longer transition period than the government’s proposal.
International Perspectives
International organizations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) have emphasized the importance of Mexico advancing towards a 40-hour workweek. However, they acknowledge that such a change requires a tailored design considering Mexico’s diverse industrial landscape.
“In Mexico, a single measure applied immediately may not be the solution for some sectors. A sectorial and gradual approach is fundamental in a country as diverse and rich in industries and company sizes,” stated Pedro Américo Furtado de Oliveira, Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) for Mexico and Cuba.
These international organizations have also recognized the Mexican government’s efforts in fostering dialogue and seeking a consensus project among all sectors.
40-Hour Workweek: Key Focus Areas
Upon concluding the fourth forum for the 40-hour workweek implementation, Martha Bolaños, head of STPS, affirmed the willingness to advance collectively on two clear axes: gradualism and dialogue.
“There is a willingness to move forward together along two very clear tracks: dialogue and gradualism. I appreciate the contributions made, which focus on these two aspects,” she expressed.
Bolaños, the Secretary of Labor, acknowledged that the 40-hour workweek transition is a profound transformation requiring time and should be implemented gradually through dialogue.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main goal of the 40-hour workweek initiative? The primary objective is to gradually transition to a 40-hour workweek by 2030, as proposed by the STPS.
- Why is gradual implementation crucial? Given Mexico’s diverse industrial landscape, a tailored and gradual approach ensures that each sector’s unique needs are addressed.
- Which international organizations support this initiative? The International Labour Organization (ILO), the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) endorse Mexico’s progress towards a 40-hour workweek.
- What are the main points of contention among sectors? Labor unions aim to reach the 40-hour workweek limit by 2027, while the business sector suggests a slower transition of one hour per year.
