2024-05-04 06:26:56
Within the framework of Workers’ Day, Colombia witnessed a massive demonstration in support of the policies of President Petro’s government. The call from the Head of State was clear: take to the streets to support the reforms that are being carried out.
Through his social networks, President Petro did not hesitate to criticize labor policies implemented during the government of former president Álvaro Uribe. In his words, “Uribe’s measures on the world of work led Colombian workers towards almost a condition of slavery and put an end to any attempt to increase productivity in the economy.”
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The president regretted that Colombia is the country with the longest working hours in the OECD and with remarkably low productivity, compared to economies of the 19th century. In his opinion, Uribista policies reflected a nostalgia for slavery and a basic ignorance: «Profits in the modern economy come from productivity and not from the length of the day«.
Petro defended his government’s current measures, arguing that they have generated sustained growth in formal employment and discouraged informal employment. He highlighted the increase in the minimum wage above inflation, which has resulted in the creation of more than 450,000 jobs in the last year.
According to the president, better salaries not only mean more formal employment, but also greater economic productivity, which translates into more wealth and well-being for the population.
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