Introduction
In Mexico, one in four salaried workers regularly works beyond the legal limit, with 10.1 million people employed in subordinate positions working more than 48 hours weekly, exceeding the Constitution’s allowance. This situation, now legally recognized as labor exploitation since last year, affects workers’ health despite the legal framework.
Legal Framework and Current Status
On June 7, 2024, a reform to the Anti-Trafficking Persons Law entered into force in Mexico, criminalizing the imposition of work hours beyond legal limits. Penalties include up to 12 years in prison and a fine of 70,000 days. However, no reported sanctions or public investigations have been initiated for this offense.
Health Implications of Long Working Hours
The International Labour Organization (ILO) highlights that long working hours are the primary risk factor for work-related fatalities. Of the nearly three million annual work-related deaths worldwide, four out of ten cases are directly attributed to excessive working hours.
Proposed Reforms and Current Challenges
Mexico is debating a possible reform to reduce the workweek to 40 hours. The government is currently drafting a proposal for Congress, but millions of workers already exceed the 48-hour limit, complicating efforts to enforce legal working hour standards.
The Ongoing Issue of Exploitation in Legal Workplaces
Despite legal protections, exploitation persists in formal work settings with excessive hours, unpaid overtime, and various labor precarity conditions. This situation raises questions about why we continue to view such practices as part of work culture rather than criminal activities.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current legal situation regarding excessive working hours in Mexico? Despite laws criminalizing excessive work hours, there have been no reported sanctions or investigations.
- Why are long working hours a health concern? Long working hours are the leading cause of work-related fatalities, accounting for nearly half of all work-related deaths.
- What reforms are being discussed in Mexico to address excessive working hours? The government is considering reducing the standard workweek to 40 hours, but many workers already exceed the current 48-hour limit.
- How does labor exploitation persist despite legal protections? Legal frameworks have yet to effectively enforce working hour standards, allowing exploitative practices to continue in formal work settings.
