On March 3, 2026, the Decree amending sections IV and XI of Part A of Article 123 of the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States, regarding the reduction of the work week, was published in the Official Gazette of the Federation.

The decree entered into force on March 4, 2026. Some important points to consider regarding the amendment are the following:

1. The work week is reduced from 48 hours to 40 hours. The reduction will be phased in gradually. Two hours will be reduced per year until 2030, resulting in the following:
   a. 2027: 46 hours per week.
   b. 2028: 44 hours per week.
   c. 2029: 42 hours per week.
   d. 2030: 40 hours per week.
2. The reform will be applied generally to all companies and all jobs. There must be no reduction in wages.
3. The distribution of the workweek over six days, with at least one day of rest, is maintained. This allows for the option of working 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, with workers enjoying 2 days off.
4. This reform is a constitutional amendment; therefore, the Congress of the Union must issue the corresponding reforms to the Federal Labor Law within 90 days of the publication of the Decree in the Official Gazette of the Federation.
5. Overtime will be limited to 12 hours per week and may not be worked more than 4 times a week or more than 4 hours per day. Minors under 18 years of age may not work overtime.

We would like to clarify that, during 2026, the maximum workweek will remain at 48 hours.

Therefore, we recommend that this transition year be used to plan the best way to implement the reform in your companies.

We are available to answer any questions or provide further clarification.

Any questions or doubts regarding this bulletin should be directed to:

Alfonso González
agu@cmgdlaw.com