Around 250,000 Workers in Quintana Roo Exceed 48-Hour Work Week

Quintana Roo, Mexico — Approximately 250,000 workers in Quintana Roo exceed Mexico’s 48-hour weekly work limit, according to data from the National Occupation and Employment Survey (ENOE) by INEGI, the national statistics agency.

Nationally, 25.4% of employed people work more than 48 hours per week, while 51.3% work between 35 and 48 hours, and 6.5% report working less than 15 hours. Applying the national average to Quintana Roo, where 981,000 people are employed, suggests around 250,000 exceed the limit.

The state’s economy, heavily oriented toward services, explains these extended schedules. More than 80% of employment concentrates in tertiary activities. Restaurants and accommodation services account for 23% of jobs, while commerce represents 17.8%. These sectors typically operate with longer hours, especially on weekends and during holiday seasons, increasing workloads.

Following the approval of a constitutional reform by President Claudia Sheinbaum to gradually reduce the work week from 48 to 40 hours by 2030, Quintana Roo’s Secretary of Labor and Social Welfare, Verónica Salinas Mozo, announced preparations for a phased implementation.

Rodrigo de la Peña, president of Cancún’s hotel association, expressed disagreement, arguing the change will negatively impact the Mexican Caribbean’s tourism industry. “It will greatly affect workers; many people want to work more overtime,” he said. “Additionally, in places like Mexico City, there is a high level of informality, so formal companies will be at a disadvantage by having to hire more staff and compete against those earning more in the informal sector.”

Maricruz Alanís de Higuera, general secretary of the Women’s Action division of the CTM-Quintana Roo union and national vice president, noted the union has advocated for 15 years for labor reform guaranteeing two rest days for all workers. She indicated the approved measure does not necessarily address that original proposal and could create confusion among workers and employers.