Background and Relevance of the Topic
In 2025, the expansion of mandatory rest days for workers became a prominent topic in Mexico’s legislative agenda, with nine projects presented in the Chamber of Deputies to increase holidays under the Federal Labor Law (LFT). This issue ranked third among labor-related proposals, trailing only behind reducing work hours and increasing paternity leave, each with 16 projects, according to El Economista’s Labor Monitor.
Key Players and Their Proposals
The most robust initiative so far is by Deputy Emilio Suárez Licona (PRI), advocating for the recognition of six additional mandatory rest days, three of which would be bridges. Meanwhile, Senator Michel González Márquez (PAN) proposed that local government-declared holidays for traditions and festivities be recognized as days off for workers.
Current Status of the LFT
The Federal Labor Law currently acknowledges nine public holidays:
- January 1 – New Year’s Day
- First Monday in February – Constitution Anniversary (February 5)
- Third Monday in March – Benito Juárez’s Birthday (March 21)
- May 1 – Labor Day
- September 16 – Independence Anniversary
- October 1 – Power Transfer Day
- Third Monday in November – Revolution Anniversary (November 20)
- December 25 – Christmas
- Dates determined by electoral authorities for ordinary elections.
Previous Reforms to the LFT
The last reform to the LFT that expanded mandatory rest days was in 1987, when elections were recognized as holidays for workers. Since then, Article 74 of the Federal Labor Law, which governs this right, has been modified twice. However, these changes have not resulted in a genuine increase of holidays.
One modification was the 2006 reform, which ensured that Aniversario de la Constitución, Benito Juárez’s Birthday, and Revolution Anniversary commemorations fell on a Monday, creating three secure bridges for workers throughout the year. The other change occurred last year when the LFT was amended to recognize October 1 as a rest day due to the transfer of executive power. However, practically speaking, the list remained unchanged as this date replaced December 1, which was previously observed.
Mexico’s Position Among Other Countries
According to a study by the International Labour Organization (ILO), Mexico is among countries with the fewest mandatory rest days for workers, alongside Paraguay and Nicaragua. These countries only recognize nine public holidays in their labor legislation.
The report “Work Time Organization in Latin America: How Many Vacation and Holiday Days Exist?” indicates that, in the region, economies offer between 13 and 14 official public holidays per year. Mexico still lags behind this threshold.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main topic discussed in Mexico’s legislative agenda? The expansion of mandatory rest days for workers under the Federal Labor Law.
- How many projects were presented in 2025 to increase holidays? Nine projects were introduced in the Chamber of Deputies.
- What are the current mandatory holidays recognized by the Federal Labor Law? There are nine public holidays, including New Year’s Day, Constitution Anniversary, Benito Juárez’s Birthday, Labor Day, Independence Anniversary, Power Transfer Day, Revolution Anniversary, Christmas, and dates for ordinary elections.
- When were the last significant reforms to the Federal Labor Law regarding mandatory rest days? The most recent reform was in 1987, followed by modifications in 2006 and 2022.
- How does Mexico compare to other countries regarding mandatory rest days for workers? According to the ILO, Mexico is among countries with the fewest mandatory rest days, alongside Paraguay and Nicaragua.
