How long will it take for companies to reconfigure to the new workday?

Discussions on a new work schedule are about to begin, with the eventual presentation to the Congress of the Union . President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo is in favor of it, but supports its gradual implementation. Businesses are wary of it and anticipate conflicts. In this context, how long would it take for companies to reconfigure their policies with its implementation?

The proposal to reduce the work week from 48 to 40 hours will have varying degrees of impact on the country's productive sectors. According to a survey by the Council of Industrial Chambers of Jalisco (CCIJ), micro and small businesses will be the most affected, while medium and large companies may have a better capacity to adapt .

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The results of the study reveal that 85% of the companies surveyed believe the measure will have a negative impact on their growth. Furthermore, 65% estimate that their operating costs will increase by 10% to 15%. , depending on the sector in which they operate. Another 40% of companies estimate that it will take at least a year to reconfigure their processes to comply with the new provision. .

Given this scenario, the Ministry of Labor will hold a series of forums in June with business representatives, unions, and private sector organizations to discuss the conditions under which the reform could be implemented .

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Fernando Acosta Hernández, director of Pepitoria Jalisciense, noted that food companies are concerned about the potential reduction in working hours . "We hope the government shows empathy for the companies, that the implementation is gradual, and that they provide us with facilities," he said. He also mentioned that they are currently facing staff shortages, which, combined with fewer working hours, would complicate their operations .

In the transportation sector, the impact will also be significant . Alfredo Cárdenas, president of Transportes Innovativos and the National Chamber of Cargo Transportation (Canacar Jalisco), explained that his operation is based on trips, and that reducing the number of hours implies a reduction in the services offered. "If instead of eight daily trips we make seven, the impact will be significant, regardless of how much we charge per trip," he stated.

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Cárdenas added that the industry already has strict regulations regarding drivers' rest hours, which will make adapting to the new work schedule more difficult . "Drivers must rest eight hours before leaving, four during the commute, and then continue. If their shift ends, they have to pay overtime. All of this raises many operational concerns," he indicated.

For his part, Guillermo del Río, director of the company Flex and president of Index Occidente, pointed out that the maquiladora sector would also be affected, since production lines are designed based on the current 48-hour workweek . “There will be an impact, but it can be managed. The important thing is that the transition be gradual. We want people to have more rest, but we must also safeguard the viability of companies,” he said.

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Del Río emphasized that they are working on strategies to improve productivity without increasing costs, such as adopting 12x12 schedules or temporarily halting production lines, even if this represents an additional expense . He also warned that, if not implemented carefully, the measure could affect the country's competitiveness.

"We agree with moving toward shorter workdays, but flexibility and gradualness are needed so that it doesn't become an obstacle," he concluded.

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