Saturday bonus: The new proposal that seeks to change the workday in Mexico

On September 2, the Chamber of Deputies received two bills from the Baja California Congress aimed at reforming the Federal Labor Law. Among the most relevant points is the creation of a Saturday bonus, a benefit currently lacking in Mexican law.

The proposal calls for workers who work Saturdays and Sundays to receive a minimum additional payment of 25% of their regular salary. Currently, the law provides for a Sunday bonus, but there is no financial compensation for those who work Saturday shifts. This reform seeks to balance the workload and compensate employees who sacrifice part of their weekend.

In addition, the initiative includes a reduction in the working week to 40 hours. Under this scheme, workers would be entitled to at least one day of rest with full pay, ensuring that these are on weekends.

The first proposal was sent to the Labor and Social Security Committee, while a second initiative was referred to the Constitutional Affairs Committee. The latter seeks to amend the Constitution to guarantee that every 40 hours of work, a mandatory paid day of rest is granted.

Although still under review, these reforms open a national debate on the need to modernize working conditions in Mexico. If approved, the Saturday bonus would be added to the list of benefits recognizing the efforts of those who work weekend shifts.

The discussion will continue in the upcoming legislative sessions, where it will be determined whether these proposals advance real changes in workers' rights.