Congress and the New President Prioritize Labor Reforms in Mexico

Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies recently passed a law to uphold workers' rights to rest during work hours, and reintroduced reforms to double the Christmas bonus from 15 to 30 days’ pay and extend maternity leave from 12 to 14 weeks. Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced her plans to continue implementing double-digit minimum wage increases, promote equality, and reduce working hours. 

HR Policy Global’s Take: These reforms are likely to gain approval in the future. Employers in Mexico should closely monitor these changes, as they could significantly impact labor and operational costs in the country. Join our upcoming Annual Latin America Summit here.

The main changes and proposal at the Congress include: 

• "Ley Silla”: This reform mandates that employers provide adequate seating for workers, promoting better working conditions across sectors. It includes specific rest areas in workplaces.
  
  
• A proposal for a 5% employment quota for people with disabilities in companies with over 50 workers was introduced. 
  
  
• Christmas bonuses increase to 30 days’ salary instead of 15 days.
  
  
• Maternity leave increases from 12 weeks to 14 weeks. 

Meanwhile, Mexico’s new President Claudia Sheinbaum announced her plans on labor initiatives, align with the economic growth goals set by her predecessor, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. 

• The minimum wage increases by 12% annually, starting next year. A national statistics agency states that, 40% of Mexico’s workforce, including informal workers, earn minimum wage or less. 
  
  
• Gender Equality Reforms: Introduction of a constitutional guarantee for equal pay for equal work and provide a package of reforms to strengthen women’s rights in the workplace.
  
  
• Platform Workers: Plans to address the rights and wages of platform workers, often underrepresented in traditional labor laws and make efforts to incorporate platform workers into formal employment structures to ensure fair compensation and benefits.
  
  
• Working Hour Reduction: gradually Reduction of the work week from 48 to 40 hours to improve work-life balance.