The Federal Prosecutor's Office for Workers' Defense (Profedet) explains how overtime hours are paid in Mexico, a labor right under the Federal Labor Law. They are calculated at double or triple the hourly wage, depending on the weekly volume. Workers can claim this payment from Profedet if not received from their employer.
The workday in Mexico is defined by the Federal Labor Law (LFT) as the time the worker is at the employer's disposal, with limits agreed in the contract. Overtime hours are any additional time beyond this workday and must be paid according to specific Profedet rules.
To calculate payment, the first nine overtime hours per week are remunerated at double the hourly wage. For example, if the hourly wage is 50 pesos, each overtime hour in this range is worth 100 pesos, multiplied by the excess days. If more than nine hours are exceeded weekly, payment increases to triple: in the example, 150 pesos per hour. This rule also applies if the workday extends due to company risks to prevent damage.
If the employer does not pay these hours, the worker should first approach the boss or human resources department. If unresolved, they can go to Profedet within one year. At the visit to a Prosecutor's office, it is essential to bring official identification, worker's name, company address, and payroll receipts, along with any related documents.
Profedet staff will guide on rights and resolve doubts. Meanwhile, the labor reform promoted by President Claudia Sheinbaum advances to reduce the workday to 40 hours weekly, gradually: two hours less per year from 2027 to 2030, without affecting salaries or benefits. Overtime in this new scheme will be voluntary and paid at double or triple, excluding them from the ordinary workday, according to the Secretariat of Labor and Social Welfare. This year, the initiative will be discussed and approved, possibly as a transition period for companies and workers.
