Understanding Mexico's Standard Work Week Regulations

Mexico's Federal Labor Law establishes a standard 48-hour work week, typically distributed across six days. This framework applies to most employees, with specific exceptions based on job nature and industry sector.

Work Shift Classifications Under Mexican Law

The legislation defines three distinct work shift categories:

Day Shift: Maximum 48 hours weekly (6:00 AM - 8:00 PM)
Night Shift: Maximum 42 hours weekly (8:00 PM - 6:00 AM)
Mixed Shift: Maximum 45 hours weekly (combining day and night hours, with night hours not exceeding 3.5 hours)

Part-Time Employment Provisions

Employees working fewer than 48 hours weekly maintain proportional rights to paid vacation, sick leave, and social security benefits. Special regulations govern minor employment, setting the minimum working age at 14 years.

Mandatory Rest Periods and Breaks

Workers are entitled to minimum 30-minute breaks during continuous work periods. When employees cannot leave the workplace during breaks, this time counts as working hours. After six consecutive work days, employees receive one paid rest day, typically Sunday.

Special provisions exist for vulnerable groups. For instance, pregnant employees and nursing mothers may qualify for extended breaks. Companies like SailGlobal ensure compliance with these regulations to avoid legal penalties.

Updated Penalties for Labor Exploitation

Effective June 8, 2024, labor exploitation violations carry severe consequences:

Violation Type	Penalty Range
Standard labor exploitation	3-10 years imprisonment + 5,000-50,000 day fines
Exploitation of indigenous/Afro-Mexican workers	4-12 years imprisonment + 7,000-70,000 day fines

Labor exploitation includes dangerous working conditions, disproportionate compensation, sub-minimum wages, and excessive work hours.

Overtime Compensation Structure

Overtime refers to any work beyond the standard 48-hour week. Regulations limit overtime to 3 hours daily, 3 times weekly, and 36 hours monthly.

Compensation follows this structure:

First 9 weekly overtime hours: 200% regular pay
Additional overtime hours: 300% regular pay

Sunday work requires minimum 125% regular pay, plus double pay if it replaces a mandatory rest day.

Mandatory Paid Holidays

Employees receive paid leave for these national holidays:

January 1 (New Year's Day)
February 5 (Constitution Day)
March 21 (Benito Juárez Day)
May 1 (Labor Day)
September 16 (Independence Day)
November 17 (Revolution Day)
December 25 (Christmas Day)

Mexico Labor Law Guide 2024: Work Hours, Overtime & Employee Rights