It's law — but 40 hours doesn't arrive in 2026
Mexico enacted the reform to cut the maximum workweek from 48 to 40 hours at the constitutional level: the change to Article 123 was published in the DOF in March 2026, with the implementing Ley Federal del Trabajo changes being harmonized. But it phases in gradually — it does not mean 40 hours this year.
The myth: "we're already at 40 hours in 2026." False. In 2026 the legal cap is still 48 hours. It drops 2 hours a year starting in 2027 and reaches 40 in 2030.
The phase-in calendar
| Year (from Jan 1) | Maximum workweek |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 48 hours |
| 2027 | 46 hours |
| 2028 | 44 hours |
| 2029 | 42 hours |
| 2030 | 40 hours (target) |
The daily maximums under LFT Article 61 stay the same — 8 hours day shift, 7 night, 7.5 mixed — with one paid rest day for every six worked (Art. 69).
Your pay is protected
Second myth: "they'll cut my salary when the hours drop." False. The reform's transitorio states the shorter week cannot reduce wages, salaries or benefits. Same pay, fewer hours — that's the whole point.
What your overtime is really worth
Overtime is where workers most often get shortchanged. Under LFT Articles 66–68:
- The first 9 overtime hours in a week are paid double (200% of your hourly wage).
- Any hours beyond 9 in a week are paid triple (300%).
So an overtime hour is never worth a normal hour — it's legally worth two or three times as much. If your employer pays overtime at the regular rate, you're being underpaid.
Do this: compute your overtime at double and triple, keep your hours logged, and if it doesn't match your payslip, the federal labor attorney (PROFEDET) is free.
See the year 40h reaches you + your overtime →
Free tool: your legal max this year, the full calendar, and your overtime at double and triple.