Background and Relevance of the Issue
The discussion surrounding the necessity to reform the work schedule from 48 to 40 hours has shifted, and the current debate centers on “how” to implement this change, according to Diputada Patricia Mercado.
In an interview, Mercado highlighted that after nearly two years of discussion, including the approval of a draft in the Constitutional Points Commission during the previous legislature, and with the reduction of work hours as one of the President’s 100 commitments, the conditions are ripe for this constitutional reform to advance in the current legislative period.
Key Figures and Their Roles
Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, and the Secretary of Labor and Social Security, Marath Bolaños, have been instrumental in organizing forums over the summer, focusing on the mechanics of the reform: its gradual nature, reduction by hours, or implementation by sectors or company size.
Mercado mentioned that there are around 11 diverse proposals from legislators across different parliamentary groups in the Chamber of Deputies regarding this reduction, which she believes could be one of the most significant legacies of this September-December session, alongside the budget.
Social Expectations and Pressure
Mercado emphasized that there is a significant social expectation and pressure for this reform to materialize, given the growing importance of work hours as a value to balance personal and family life, particularly for young workers.
Implementation Plan
The Labor Commission in the Lower House has established an action plan. On September 24 or 25, the Commission’s president, with support from the Labor and Social Security Commission in the Chamber, has called all labor commission presidents from the country’s local congresses.
“This dialogue is crucial, as a constitutional reform, once the legislative process in the Union Congress concludes, must be ratified by at least 17 local congresses,” Mercado explained.
Additionally, the Labor Commission will receive various groups, including business, union, civil society, and expert sectors, on Wednesdays to hear their perspectives on creating a series of transitional measures in the constitutional reform that will define the “how” of its implementation.
Urgency for Reform
Mercado stressed that the work schedule reduction cannot wait.
She reminded everyone that it has been 90 years since Mexico signed the ITL Convention in 1935 on a 40-hour work schedule. “Productivity is not linked to more working hours but to other conditions that promote productive efficiency and, most importantly, people’s well-being. Wealth is not just money; it’s also time,” Mercado asserted, ensuring that all conditions are in place for this reform to succeed during the current period.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main focus of the current debate on work schedule reform? The primary concern now is how to implement the reduction from 48 to 40 working hours.
- Who are the key figures driving this reform? President Claudia Sheinbaum and Secretary of Labor and Social Security Marath Bolaños have been instrumental in organizing forums to discuss the reform’s mechanics.
- Why is there significant social pressure for this reform? There’s growing importance placed on work hours as a value to balance personal and family life, especially for young workers.
- What is the plan for implementing this reform? The Labor Commission in the Lower House has established an action plan involving local congressional presidents and various stakeholder groups to define the implementation process.
- Why is this reform considered urgent? Mexico has not updated its work schedule since signing the ITL Convention in 1935, advocating for a shift from linking productivity to more working hours towards promoting efficiency and well-being.
