Labor reform proposal: Increase in labor benefits
Important labor reforms are expected in Mexico in 2025, with a focus on improving the welfare of workers. Some of the most prominent proposals include the reduction of the workday to 40 hours per week, the extension of holidays, the regulation of teleworking, the improvement of labor benefits (such as Christmas bonus and vacation bonus), and the creation of bereavement leave.
Some of these reforms are already a reality and have been approved, such as teleworking, the chair law and the working day.
The labor reform proposal, which includes increases in labor benefits, is aimed at improving the quality of life and job security of workers. One of the main proposals is the increase of the Christmas bonus to 30 days of salary, the extension of rest days and the modification of the percentage of the vacation bonus.
Benefits to workers if the reform is approved:
The objective of this reform is to improve the conditions of the workers and guarantee them a better salary and welfare, since, just as with the vacation reform, there had been decades without any change, and the basic food basket continues to rise in the country, but salaries do not rise, which causes the economy of families in Mexico to be in an economic crisis, and with it the country, because the poverty indexes increase.
One of the most important proposals is the doubling of the Christmas bonus, from 15 to 30 days of salary, and an increase in the vacation bonus, which could reach 30% of the base salary.
What are some ddetails of the proposal benefit reform?
Double the annual bonus, which is currently 15 days' salary, to 30 days, and the deadline for payment would be the same, no later than December 20.
An increase in the vacation bonus is proposed, which could reach 30% of the base salary, this increase is significant, since 5% is not much, but in the end it is an increase and something is something.
It is proposed to extend the paternity leave with pay from five to fifty days, which would be a good increase when the woman does not have more family to support her while she is recovering and even more if she had to have a cesarean section, the fact that the father of the child is with her during the quarantine and a little more, physically and psychologically is a great help for the woman, therefore this proposal has a more important background than just giving more days to the father, because it goes beyond the economic aspect.
The possibility of reducing working hours and increasing rest days is being discussed, it will be gradually reduced from 48 to 40 hours per week, as announced by President Claudia Sheinbaum. This reduction will be implemented gradually throughout her six-year term, with the goal of being fully implemented by January 2030 at the latest.
If such reforms were to be approved, what would be the impact on workers, families and society?
The extension of benefits and the reduction of working hours could generate more time for family, leisure and personal development, reduce stress and improve the economy a little, because it is not like it would be a super economy with these increases, but it is a good place to start.
Workers could be more motivated and rested, which could translate into an increase in productivity, this refers to a reduction in working hours and an increase in rest days.
Context of the reform:
The labor reform is part of a wage recovery policy and seeks to ensure that the minimum wage does not lose purchasing power.
In addition to the above-mentioned proposals, the labor reform also includes other measures, such as the Chair Law, which guarantees the right of workers to adequate seating during their workday. The Tipping Law has also been approved, which aims to guarantee a fair wage and improve working conditions for workers who rely primarily on tips.
However, in the last months of the year, the changes that monopolized the public agenda were the Ley Silla and the regulation of work on digital platforms.
On the one hand, it recognized the right to rest The law is a regulation in which Mexico has lagged behind similar economies such as Chile and Argentina by more than 100 years. The so-called Chair Law aims to prevent risks associated with working while standing for long periods of time.
On the other hand, the country advanced in the regulation of work in applicationsIn addition, a new chapter was added to the Federal Labor Law with specific rules for this model, a good part of these provisions will be in force in the second half of 2025. (EL ECONOMISTA).
The Labor and Social Welfare Commission approved amendments to the Federal Labor Law (LFT) in order to prohibiting the substitution of tips for base salary of workers in sectors such as restaurants, bars, hotels, service stations and entertainment centers. It is established that workers must receive at least the minimum or professional minimum wageThe distribution of tips will be determined by the employees themselves, with no employer participation.
Incorporated two paid leave days per year The measure also applies in cases where the worker must accompany children or persons under legal guardianship. The measure also applies in cases where the worker must accompany daughters, sons or persons under legal guardianship. It will be mandatory to present documentation proving the completion of such studies.
The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS), through the National Employment Service (SNE), should develop programs aimed at facilitating access to a first formal job for young people and people in vulnerable situations. The proposal proposes specific measures to improve their insertion in the labor market.
Reforms advanced in the Senate
Recognition of the entitlement to five working days with pay for the death of family members (mother, father, children, spouse or siblings). The leave must be taken immediately after the death and must be justified with the death certificate within 15 days after the death.
The STPS and state authorities are instructed to carry out the following actions specific pay equity inspectionsThe proposal aligns the LFT with international commitments on non-discrimination. The proposal aligns the LFT with international commitments on non-discrimination.
Coverage is extended to more categories of artists, in addition to actors and musicians, and the allows the establishment of wages per work performed. The opinion points to informality and lack of social security as common conditions in this sector.
Rulings approved in the Senate must be endorsed by the First Legislative Studies Committee. before proceeding to the plenary session.
Reduction of the working day: no legislative progress
Seven proposals to reduce the working day are still pending. These are initiatives that propose to amend the Constitution to establish a second day of rest per week or to reduce the workday by one hour per day through changes to the LFT. So far, none of them have been discussed in commissions. (INFOBAE)
References
Federal Labor Law. Chamber of Deputies. Revised June 12, 2025. https://www.diputados.gob.mx/LeyesBiblio/pdf/LFT.pdf
Wellnub. Revised June 12, 2025. https://wellhub.com/es-mx/blog/desarrollo-organizacional/reformas-laborales-mexico-2025/
Reform Initiative. Chamber of Deputies. Revised June 12, 2025. https://www.diputados.gob.mx/comisiones/traypres/iniclvii/inic13.htm
Sil Gobernación. Revised June 12, 2025. http://sil.gobernacion.gob.mx/Archivos/Documentos/2024/12/asun_4820752_20241210_1733859442.pdf
The Economist. Revised June 12, 2025. https://www.eleconomista.com.mx/capital-humano/6-reformas-laborales-ver-luz-20250107-740796.html
Infobae. Revised June 12, 2025. https://www.infobae.com/mexico/2025/04/08/estas-son-las-seis-reformas-laborales-avanzadas-en-el-congreso-estan-por-discutirse-en-el-pleno/
