Morena’s Monreal Rules Out Discussing Reduction in Working Hours in Next Legislative Session

ByMexico Solidarity

This article originally appeared in the September 4, 2025 edition of Sin Embargo.

Mexico City. The President of the Political Coordination Board of the Chamber of Deputies, Ricardo Monreal Ávila, reported this Thursday that the constitutional reform that seeks to reduce the working week from 48 to 40 hours will not be discussed in this ordinary session.

“It hasn’t been on the legislative agenda. The President of the Republic has made a commitment to establish a 40-hour work week before the end of her term, but I couldn’t say if it’s being considered,” the Deputy commented during the People’s Legislature conference.

The Morena member clarified that the issue is not on the Chamber of Deputies’ immediate agenda, despite being part of the current administration’s commitments regarding labor rights.

He also emphasized that political consensus and budgetary conditions are still lacking to implement the reform, so he considered it essential to link the proposal to the economic package that will be submitted to Congress next Monday, September 8.

“It would be prudent to publish it now so that the funds are sufficient. Each government has its own pace, but the most responsible thing to do is to consider it in advance in budget planning,” he said.

In response to questions about the risk of the delay halting the job promise, Monreal maintained that the initiative is not opposed, but rather a matter of legislative timing that prevents it from being discussed during the current session.

This initiative seeks to amend Article 123 of the Constitution to establish a maximum workday of eight hours per day, five days a week, with two mandatory rest days. Currently, the legal framework provides for six workdays, equivalent to 48 hours per week.

The legislator’s statements contrast with those of Morena’s deputy coordinator, Alfonso Ramírez Cuéllar, who stated a few days ago that the reform would be approved during this period and would be implemented in stages by region and productive sector.

Monreal responded that he doesn’t have the evidence to confirm Ramírez Cuéllar’s statement and reiterated that the reduction in working hours has not been a topic on the legislative agenda.

Finally, the Morena member emphasized that on September 8, the Chamber of Deputies will receive the 2026 Federal Expenditure Budget, which must include the necessary resources to fulfill the labor and salary commitments approved by Congress.