Published 19/06/2025 14:41 | Edited 19/06/2025 14:50
Colombian President Gustavo Petro won an important victory on Tuesday (17). The labor reform he proposed was approved in the Senate and will now be reconciled with the text already approved in the House of Representatives before being sanctioned and becoming law. This conciliation should be done by Friday (20).
The historic initiative was approved by 57 senators, and 31 voted against. Among the main advances are:
- Escalonated increase in additional work on Sundays and holidays until it reaches 100%of the minimum wage by 2027 (by 2025, an increase of 85%; by 2023, 95%);
- Night additional will be valid from 7 pm and runs until 6 am the next day (before, the night journey started at 9 pm); The measure begins in six months after the enactment of the law;
- Students from Sena (National Learning Service) are covered by the employer regarding health and social security, as well as receiving 75% of the minimum wage during the training phase and 100% in the practical phase;
- Companies will pay a fine of 1.5 minimum wage for un hired apprentices;
- The positions of “community mother (caregiver of children in homes and communities) and“ rent belly ”are created, with the purpose of progressive integration to the Colombian Institute for family welfare and validity after 12 months of the official law; The measure seeks the recognition of the employment relationship to replace subsidies;
- Protection to Contractors and Independents: Creation of the Special Work Unit so that those who receive less than one minimum wage can contribute to pension, health and indemnity for resignation.
These main approved points maintain the central core of the Petro government proposal, which sought further advances. In the original proposal, the initial forecast was night time starting at 6 pm, as was planned a 4 × 3 workday.
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With the rejection of the Senate of a three -day rest of the workers, the understanding that the 42 -hour weekly journey remains flexible with agreement between the parties for their fulfillment in a maximum of six days a week with mandatory rest, preferably coincident with Sunday.
Popular support
According to the government, Senate approval is a milestone and the changes adjust labor relations to which advocates the International Labor Organization (ILO).
Improvements in working conditions for the Colombian population had Petro’s persistence and commitment. Other reform initiatives proposed by the government had already been barred in the Senate, but Petro summoned a popular consultation – widely supported by the population – and the situation put the parliamentarians in check.
Read more: Petro calls popular consultation in Colombia on labor reform
Thus, Petro began a national mobilization, which bothered oppositionists, but ensured that the reform advanced. According to the president, “What saved the labor reform is that we decided to make an appointment. Otherwise, we would be buried for a long time. The decision to make an appointment is what keeps the labor reform alive and people on the streets supporting us.”
Although only the reconciliation of the approved text remains, Petro maintains the proposal for popular consultation on reforms, but said that if the Senate and the House reaches a consensus, it will partially revoke the consultation decree regarding labor changes. Initially the process of listening to the population is scheduled for August 7, and also deals with health and social security.
The president ensures the possibility of listening to the population as an asset to prevent the Senate from going back in the approval of the reform during the conciliation process. In addition, there is a clash about the constitutionality of popular consultation, but the Colombian people have already shown to be with the president and want to be heard if necessary.
Source: vermelho.org.br
