Colombia, Chile and Mexico approved laws reducing weekly working hours in recent years. Brazil is processing a similar bill that could end the 6x1 work schedule. Argentina went in the opposite direction and increased to up to 12 hours daily.
The three working hour reductions occurred in contexts of social mobilizations and political changes, with Colombia and Chile responding to popular uprisings in 2019, while Mexico implemented the change under a popular leftist government. The International Labour Organization recommends reducing working hours to 40 hours per week.
Colombia reduced working hours from 48 to 42 hours weekly, enacted in July 2021 by President Iván Duque, with gradual reduction to be completed by July 2026
Chile approved reduction from 45 to 40 hours weekly in April 2023, under Gabriel Boric's government, with gradual implementation until 2028
Mexico enacted reduction from 48 to 40 hours weekly in March 2026 under Claudia Sheinbaum, with gradual implementation starting in January 2027
Argentina allowed working days of up to 12 hours under Javier Milei, going in the opposite direction from other countries
Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.
No gaps or divergences found — sources converge.
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