Maricela de la Cruz’s routine of waking up at 5 a.m. and working six days a week, like many other working-class individuals in Mexico, is now facing resistance. The Mexican Congress is currently deliberating on a constitutional amendment to guarantee employees two days off per week, a move championed by unions. This prospective change follows a long-standing tradition of a six-day workweek in Mexico, and its approval could signify a noteworthy transformation in the nation’s labor practices.

The push for a shorter workweek is not unique to Mexico; it aligns with the global debate on work schedules. While North America and Europe explore options like the four-day workweek, many employees in developing countries, including Mexico, continue to endure six-day workweeks or even longer hours. This disparity gives rise to essential inquiries regarding the rights of workers, their responsibilities to employers, and the broader implications for the development of the nation.

Susana Prieto, a labor lawyer and advocate for the five-day workweek in Mexico, has been a prominent figure in the fight for shorter work hours. The suggested constitutional amendment has attracted attention and endorsement, particularly in the context of ongoing labor reforms and a shifting political landscape in Mexico.

While proponents argue for improved worker well-being and increased productivity through reduced work hours, some critics, including business owners, express concerns about economic and industrial development. The discourse mirrors broader conversations about finding an equilibrium between the rights of workers and a nation’s economic priorities.

The labor movement in Mexico has gained momentum not only due to legal reforms but also because of a more independent stance taken by unions. The overhauled North American Free Trade Agreement, implemented in 2020, mandated Mexico to restructure its union system, enabling workers to elect leaders through confidential ballots.

The struggle for a shorter workweek is part of a broader transformation in Latin America, with countries like Colombia and Chile passing laws to reduce work hours. The ongoing discussion highlights the evolving landscape of labor rights and the growing influence of workers in shaping their working conditions.

While the proposed changes are met with resistance from some employers, the workers in Mexico, fueled by a new generation connected through the internet and social media, remain determined to achieve a more balanced work-life structure. The resolution of this discussion has the potential to establish a precedent for labor practices in Mexico and may have ramifications for similar conversations on a global scale.