After six weeks of debate, the Chamber approved with 93 votes in favor and 13 votes against the project that constitutes one of the great bets of the national government.
DIARIO DEL HUILA, CONTEXT
The labor reform proposed by the Government has taken an important step in its legislative process after being approved in the plenary session of the House of Representatives. After seven sessions of intense debates, the project advanced with modifications and the inclusion of eight new articles that were endorsed by the Government. The Minister of Labor, Gloria Inés Ramírez, highlighted that these reforms seek to improve job stability and move away from the precariousness of employment in Colombia.
Likewise, eight new articles were added referring to the formalization and hiring of cargo and passenger transport workers, programs for first and last jobs, promotion of sustainable work, and flexible work environments, among others.
On the part of the government bench, expressing satisfaction with the work carried out in favor of the workers of Colombia, the representative of the Historical Pact for Bogotá, María Fernanda Carrascal said “we are very happy for this progress, this is a triumph for the workers, it is “a progressive reform that restores rights that had been taken away, such as the night shift, that opens opportunities for women, and seeks better working conditions and income for Colombian families.”
However, there were those who until the end expressed their concern about the impact that small and medium-sized businesses could have on the economy. Representative Juan Espinal said that “the opposition bench did a judicious job, our objective is also to seek the best For Colombians based on realities, in Colombia the majority of the economy is driven by small and medium-sized companies, large companies resist these changes, we are concerned that it is these ventures that can be seriously affected and as the Bank’s studies say of the Republic, more than 400,000 jobs may be being lost.”
Three-day license for marriages and other news
One of the most notable articles is the new paid leave of three business days for people who marry or declare a de facto marital union, regardless of the type of their contract. This measure was approved along with other changes that promote job stability and the formalization of various work sectors.
Protection against automation and decarbonization
Among the approved articles, those that seek to protect workers in the face of automation and energy transition processes stand out. Articles 60 and 61 address how companies in the mining-energy sector must manage the transition to cleaner energy and decarbonization, guaranteeing a closure and job retraining plan for affected workers. These measures include the financing of a fund that promotes economic diversification for direct and indirect employees and contractors.
You can read: The Attorney General’s Office asked the Ministry of Defense to redouble intelligence efforts and control operations
Representative Hernán Cadavid expressed concern, stating that these measures could harm the coal sector, leading to decisions that he described as “layoffs due to political whims.” However, Minister Ramírez defended the initiative, highlighting the need to protect the labor rights of workers, referring to the case of the Prodeco company, which closed operations leaving 386 workers unemployed and with health problems.
Labor formalization of drivers and new rights
Another key point that generated wide debate was the formalization of cargo and passenger transport workers. The new regulations require companies and vehicle owners to establish written employment contracts for drivers who perform activities under subordination. This article, although controversial, was approved by a large majority, recognizing the need to formalize thousands of informal workers in this sector.
Changes in the night shift and Sunday surcharges
The reform also introduces significant modifications to working hours and additional benefits for workers. From now on, the night shift will begin at 7 pm, instead of 9 pm as it currently is. In addition, surcharges for work on Sundays and holidays will increase to 100%, compared to the 75% that applied previously. These measures, although celebrated by workers, have generated concern among economic unions, who warn that the increase in labor costs could affect the competitiveness of companies and employment in the country.
New measures on paternity leave and learning contracts
Another significant change is the extension of paternity leave, which will go from two to four weeks, doubling the time that fathers will be able to enjoy after the birth of their children. The modification of the apprenticeship contract was also approved, which will now be employment-based and fixed-term, guaranteeing that apprentices receive all legal benefits.
Inclusion of ‘rappitenderos’ in social security
The labor reform has not forgotten digital platform workers. The approved project establishes that ‘rappitenderos’ and other technology platform workers must be covered by social security, a measure that seeks to regularize the situation of thousands of workers who until now operated under precarious conditions.
Promotion of flexible and sustainable work environments
In addition to protection and formalization measures, articles promoting the adoption of sustainable work practices and the creation of flexible work environments were included. Among the new features, companies will be able to allow pets into offices as part of their well-being policies. It will also seek to guarantee permanence and access to employment for recently graduated young people and the formalization of food handlers of the School Feeding Program (PAE).
Debate in the Senate: Two pending discussions
Although the House of Representatives has given the green light to the labor reform, the project still must go through two debates in the Senate before becoming law. Minister Ramírez was optimistic regarding the final approval, highlighting the joint work with the different groups to improve the project. However, several points will be debated again, and it is possible that additional modifications will be made in the Upper House.
The labor reform in Colombia is advancing, bringing with it significant changes that seek to improve the working conditions of workers in various sectors. From the formalization of drivers and ‘rappitenderos’ to protection against automation processes and energy transition, the reform addresses multiple aspects that affect the world of work in Colombia. Although there is still some way to go in the Senate, approval in the House of Representatives represents a key advance in this process of legislative transformation.
You may be interested in: “I ask God to do justice”: Mother of little Sofía