Mexico: Teleworking in Cases of Environmental Emergencies
On 11 December 2025, the Chamber of Deputies’ Commission on Labour, Employment, and Social Welfare ruled in favor of a bill to amend Section XIX Bis of Article 132 of the Federal Labour Law on teleworking so that in cases of environmental contingencies, employers must implement remote working for as long as the contingency persists. This reform is still subject to congressional approval.
In their explanatory statement, the promoting deputies point out that Mexico City faces levels of air pollution that exceed the parameters recommended by the World Health Organisation, and that poor air quality increases respiratory, cardiovascular and mortality risks, particularly during episodes of high temperatures.
Similarly, they argue that in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area, vehicle emissions continue to be one of the main sources of air pollutants, aggravated by the intensive use of private cars and daily congestion, which increases emissions per kilometer traveled.
From their perspective, reducing the need for travel is essential to improving air quality and mitigating the effects of climate change.
The promoters also point out that teleworking has become established internationally as a viable option, with benefits associated with productivity, workplace well-being, and cost reduction. From an environmental perspective, various studies confirm significant reductions in emissions when daily commutes are eliminated or reduced. In their presentation, they highlight that this modality could become a relevant tool for reducing urban emissions if accompanied by appropriate public policies.
They also mention that Mexico has Atmospheric Environmental Contingency Programs in areas such as the Valley of Mexico, Salamanca, Jalisco, and Monterrey; however, they emphasize that episodes of ozone and particulate pollution continue to rise. They cite that between 2019 and 2024, there were 24 days with ozone levels above 155 ppm and 19 contingencies, and that in 2025, four additional contingencies have already been activated due to fireworks, high-pressure systems, intense solar radiation, and adverse atmospheric conditions.
Given this situation, the promoters argue that teleworking is an immediate and effective tool for reducing vehicle emissions during contingencies and for structurally improving air quality. According to them, its explicit incorporation into the law will allow workplaces and employers to adopt this modality as a preventive and permanent measure when conditions permit.
Thus, strengthening policies aimed at reducing pollution episodes and protecting the health of the population.
If this initiative is approved by Congress, it will represent an important step forward in protecting the health of workers and the general population as well.
