The labor reform currently under discussion in Colombia, driven by President Gustavo Petro’s administration, aims to implement significant changes in the country’s labor system, primarily focusing on protecting and expanding workers’ rights.
What does the labor reform entail?
Key points of the reform include:
Indefinite hiring as the general rule: The aim is to make most contracts indefinite to provide greater job stability. Other contract types would only be allowed in specific cases and for limited periods.
Reduction of working hours: Although already outlined in Law 2101 of 2021, the reform aligns with the gradual reduction of the weekly working hours from 48 to 42 hours without a salary decrease.
Changes to night shift and surcharges: It is proposed that the night shift starts at 7:00 p.m. (instead of 9:00 p.m.) with a salary surcharge. There is also a plan for gradual increases in surcharges for work on Sundays and holidays, reaching up to 100%.
Protection for digital platform workers: The reform aims to recognize the labor relationship of these workers, ensuring their affiliation with social security and a minimum guaranteed wage.
Strengthening union rights: Measures are proposed to facilitate the creation and strengthening of unions, allowing workers to organize to defend their rights.
Enhanced job stability: The reform seeks to implement measures that make it more difficult to terminate employment without just cause, providing better protection for workers.
Expanded paid leaves: Proposals include paid leaves for domestic emergencies, exercising the right to vote, and specific health conditions.
Increased severance pay for unjust dismissals: There is a suggestion to raise the amount of severance pay to discourage unjustified terminations.