Introduction
As the current legislature approaches over 320 work-related proposals by the end of 2025, several significant topics have emerged. Among these are the reduction of working hours, increased paternity leave, extended holidays, and a higher Christmas bonus. In December alone, 23 labor-related initiatives were presented in the Chamber of Deputies, including Claudia Sheinbaum’s proposal for a 40-hour workweek.
Key Proposals in December
Some of the notable proposals in December include:
- 40-hour workweek: President Claudia Sheinbaum has been advocating for reducing the standard workweek to 40 hours.
- Mandatory rest days: Legislators have been focusing on ensuring workers have adequate time off, including holidays and extended vacation days.
- Increased Christmas bonus: Senators from Movimiento Ciudadano proposed gradually doubling the Christmas bonus, linking it to employees’ length of service.
- Abusive practices like silent dismissal: Diputado Armando Corona Arvizu introduced a bill to include “silent dismissal” as a valid reason for termination without employer responsibility in the Federal Labor Law.
Christmas Bonus Increase
The proposed Christmas bonus increase aims to gradually double the existing benefit. The plan ties the raise to employees’ length of service:
- 15 days for the first year
- 20 days for 2-3 years of service
- 25 days for 4-5 years of service
- 30 days for six or more years of service
Legislators argue that this progressive increase does not impose an excessive burden on employers but significantly benefits those who rely on this income.
Silent Dismissal
Diputado Armando Corona Arvizu’s proposal seeks to include “silent dismissal” in the Federal Labor Law. This concept refers to employer behaviors or omissions that deteriorate, isolate, or degrade working conditions, intending to induce employee resignation. The proposal outlines the following actions as indicators of silent dismissal:
- Unjustified or gradual removal of functions, responsibilities, or workload
- Systematic exclusion from activities, processes, decisions, or communications related to job performance
- Unjustified failure to provide necessary tools, information, supplies, or resources for adequate service provision
- Unilateral and unfavorable modification of schedules, conditions, responsibilities, or workplace without objective cause or reasonable justification
- Sustained indifferent, degrading, or negligent treatment affecting the worker’s dignity or emotional stability
Anticipated Labor Reforms in 2026
2026 appears to be a pivotal year for labor reforms. The most likely change is the reduction of the standard workweek, with a proposed implementation date of May 1, 2026, and a six-month transition period for businesses to adapt.
Given its consensus with unions and business chambers, this reform is expected to face minimal amendments during discussions in both the Senate and Chamber of Deputies. The majority of its practical implementation may mirror the initial proposal sent by the Executive to the Senate.
However, other potential reforms could also materialize in 2026. In December, a bill on workplace violence advanced through committees, proposing to recognize and address various forms of violence—such as harassment, discrimination, or cyberbullying—in the Federal Labor Law. Employers would be obligated to eliminate these issues, and victims would have the right to compensation.
Mexico’s ratification of OIT Convention 190 on workplace violence paves the way for local legislative harmonization. Additionally, a pending reform in the Chamber of Deputies aims to mandate STPS inspections focused on equal pay, which could also see progress in 2026. President Claudia Sheinbaum’s commitment to eliminating the gender wage gap by 2024 further supports this possibility, as she previously reformed both the Constitution and the Federal Labor Law to acknowledge and address this issue.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the most likely labor reform in 2026? The reduction of the standard workweek to 40 hours is the most probable reform.
- How will the Christmas bonus be increased? Senators from Movimiento Ciudadano proposed gradually doubling the Christmas bonus, linking it to employees’ length of service.
- What is “silent dismissal” in the labor context? “Silent dismissal” refers to employer behaviors or omissions that deteriorate, isolate, or degrade working conditions, intending to induce employee resignation.
- What other labor reforms are anticipated in 2026? Potential reforms include addressing various forms of workplace violence and enforcing equal pay inspections.
