The activism for the 40-hour workweek: a rising movement

Digital activism in Mexico has gained strength with the petition #YoPorLas40Horas on the platform Change.org, where more than 53,000 people have expressed their support for reducing the workweek to 40 hours. This initiative has resonated in a country where the culture of long hours and the lack of balance between personal and work life are constant. The promoter of this petition, Miguel Martínez, has called for reimagining the relationship with work, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing not only productivity but also well-being, family, friends, and individual passions. According to Martínez, this is not just a labor campaign but a movement for human rights and dignity, supported by evidence showing that a shorter workweek improves mental health, strengthens family relationships, and fosters community participation. The petition has been directed to the Chamber of Deputies, and its reach has grown exponentially, being supported by a wide diversity of profiles, from employees and students to parents and retirees. Each signature is seen as a step towards a national dialogue seeking to redefine how we value our time and how we seek a better balance between work and personal life. Despite the popular support the initiative has received, reducing the workweek is not an immediate priority for the future government of Claudia Sheinbaum. The virtual president-elect has noted the need to consult with business leaders and prioritize the reforms proposed by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador before addressing this issue. Among Morena party's priorities are reforms such as the Judiciary, the elimination of autonomous bodies, and adjusting the minimum wage. Sheinbaum has indicated that while the reform to reduce the workweek is not an immediate priority, work will continue on it in consensus with labor and business representatives. Additionally, the focus will be on formalizing informal work found on online platforms, such as delivery workers, and she recalled that other successful labor initiatives were achieved through dialogue and collaboration among different sectors. Diana Marcela Durán, director of Change.org Mexico, has expressed the enthusiasm among the creators and signatories of the petition, highlighting recent achievements in countries like Colombia and Chile, where the reduction of the workweek to 40 hours was approved. The platform has served as a space to give voice to various labor demands and as a bridge between citizens and the legislative body. Although the 40-hour workweek initiative is not yet a reality, the possibility of its implementation could mean a significant change in labor conditions in Mexico. It is expected that this movement will continue to grow and that a consensus will be reached among the different actors involved in the labor sphere. Ultimately, the fight for a more equitable workweek is not only a matter of productivity and efficiency but also of dignity and well-being for Mexican workers. The reduction of the workweek not only represents a change in working time but also a change in the quality of life for thousands of people seeking a better balance between their work and personal responsibilities.