Mexico City 2025 Global Meeting - A Landmark Dialogue on Mexico’s Labor Future

More than 70 senior HR and business leaders gathered in Mexico City for a high-energy Global Luncheon hosted by the CHRO Association and Fisher Phillips. The event spotlighted Mexico’s rapidly evolving labor landscape—from wage and hour reform to union processes and cross-border compliance under the USMCA.

HR Policy Global’s Take: We appreciate all the speakers and attendees’ insightful discussions with practical employer insights and regional context. Please join us at our upcoming webinar titled Navigating Labor & Employment Risks in LATAM Amid Rising U.S. Trade Tensions.

Panel I – Mexico’s Labor Forecast

Mr. Alejandro Salafranca Vázquez opened with a detailed outlook for 2025, noting the government’s determination to make formal employment more attractive through multiple reforms. He cautioned employers to expect continuous regulatory adjustments and rising employment costs, emphasizing that proactive adaptation will be key to sustaining competitiveness.

“Formal employment must not only be mandatory—it must be desirable,” Mr. Vazquez stressed.

Panel II – Navigating the Shorter Workweek

The second discussion explored the potential impact of reduced working hours, balancing productivity, cost, and workforce engagement. Panelists agreed that 46 hours per week is a realistic benchmark for budget planning for next year, while encouraging early hiring and talent strategy reviews.

Despite cost pressures, participants reaffirmed that Mexico remains one of the most attractive markets globally, especially amid U.S.–China geopolitical tensions and near-shoring trends.

“Labor costs may rise, but so does opportunity,” one panelist noted.

Panel III – Union Processes and USMCA Compliance

Led by Marco Antonio Medellin Torres from Carrier, the third session provided a high-level overview of the USMCA and Rapid Response Mechanism and Mexico’s labor reforms. The conversation underscored the importance of:

• Active, structured engagement with unions;
• Maintaining clear documentation to avoid compliance risks.

The session also clarified how Rapid Response cases are triggered and handled, reinforcing the need for employer readiness and strong internal controls.

The program concluded with shared optimism and tangible next steps for HR leaders operating in Mexico. The discussions reinforced that 2025 will be a year of opportunity and vigilance—as employers balance reform-driven changes with Mexico’s continued strength as a regional growth hub.