Forum in Cancún Debates 40-Hour Workweek Proposal

Cancún will host one of six national events aimed at analyzing a proposal to change Mexico’s workweek. The initiative seeks to shift from the current system—six days of work with one day off—to a five-day workweek with two days of rest, totaling 40 hours per week, without reducing salaries.

Federal Congresswoman Marybel Villegas Canché explained that this forum is part of a series organized by the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare. Previous forums have already taken place in Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara, Tijuana, and Querétaro, with Cancún serving as the final venue.

The forum’s goal is to hear from various sectors—including workers, labor unions, business owners, academic experts, and government officials—to discuss key topics such as:
• Productivity and wages
• Labor costs
• Gradual implementation
• Legal adjustments
• Work-life balance

The forum will also examine the experiences of other countries that have already implemented 40-hour workweeks and will assess the potential impact on key industries like tourism, which plays a vital role in Cancún’s economy.

According to Labor Secretary Marath Bolaños, the plan is to roll out the reform gradually, reaching the 40-hour standard by early 2030. This change could benefit nearly half of Mexico’s formal workforce.

Why is it important?
• It would mark one of the most significant labor reforms in decades, as the 48-hour workweek has remained unchanged since 1917.
• The goal is to reach inclusive agreements across all sectors while minimizing negative impacts on the economy.