The labor reform has caused significant conflict in the country. The Petro government claims it aims to restore labor rights that have been lost over time and ensure better conditions for workers.
However, it has faced strong opposition in Congress, particularly in the Senate, where the initiative has been blocked multiple times. Critics of the reform, including business groups and some political sectors, argue that it could lead to an increase in informality, higher labor costs for companies, which would result in job reductions, and adversely affect the country’s competitiveness.
In light of the stagnation of the reform in the Senate, President Petro has announced his intention to call for a popular consultation by decree. The reason is that the government believes the Senate has hindered or not effectively addressed the bill. Petro and his team have argued that there was a “confused and manipulated” vote in the Senate, where the proposal was not read before voting, which they contend invalidates the decision. Petro’s idea is that if Congress does not approve the reform, it should be the Colombian people who decide directly on these matters through a consultation.
This decision to call for a consultation by decree has sparked a debate over the legality and constitutionality of this action, as usually popular consultations related to laws must be approved by Congress.