Mandatory rest days 2026: Employees must receive more pay if they work on the following dates

The dates marked as days off are a fundamental reference for planning activities, fulfilling economic responsibilities and respecting the rights guaranteed to workers in Mexico. -(Illustrative image infobae)

The start of a new year always brings with it the need to plan work, school and family activities. In MexicoThe Federal Labor Act (LFT) is responsible for establishing the mandatory rest days that must be observed in all public and private workplaces.

This Holidays They guarantee that employees can enjoy days off without having their corresponding salary deducted. In addition, it should be borne in mind that those who have to work on these days are entitled to additional remuneration.

The specified dates include days that affect the organization of work, study and family celebrations and at the same time ensure the right to vacation and special remuneration in the event of work. Photo: (Gemini IA)

For 2026He official calendar It includes several dates that serve as a reference for the organization of holidays, celebrations and school periods, making these days key moments for the economy of workers.

According to the Federal Attorney for Occupational Safety and Healththe days that should be taken into account unskilled In most workplaces these are the following:

January 1st (Thursday): New Year.
February 2nd (Monday): Promulgation of the Constitution.
March 16 (Monday): Birth of Benito Juárez (March 21 goes back to Monday the 16th).
May 1st (Friday): Labor Day.
September 16 (Wednesday): Independence of Mexico.
November 16th (Monday): Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution (November 20th dates back to Monday the 16th).
December 25th (Friday): Christmas.

Key dates for public holidays in 2026 and associated wage conditions set by the Federal Labor Law. (X/ @avisosbienestar)

These days are protected by the Labor law and apply throughout the country. In addition, some postpone until Monday to generate the so-called long bridgeswhich promote tranquility and domestic tourism.

The LFT establishes that employees have the right to rest on these days without deductions from their wages. However, if they are required to work due to the nature of their job, the law is clear:

You have to pay that normal daily wage.
Furthermore a additional double paymentwhich means the employee receives triple payment in total.

The Federal Prosecutor’s Office for Labor Law provides information about the requirements that must be met when working on a compulsory rest day. (X/ @PROFEDET)

This advantage applies to both public and private sectorsand it is a way to recognize the efforts of those who keep essential services running during the holidays.

The mandatory rest days Not only do they represent labor law, they also have social and economic impacts.

For families, they are opportunities to live together and celebrate.
For companies, it’s about organizing shifts and factoring in additional costs.
In the school environment, they are integrated into the official calendar SEPThis creates bridges that enable the organization of academic and family activities.

The school calendar in Mexico is also part of the holiday calendar. Photo: (Jesús Tovar Sosa/Infobae)

In this way the mandatory rest days in 2026 They are more than just days off: they are a legally protected right, an opportunity to rest and, if you work, a guarantee of receiving one higher salary.