A few weeks after starting negotiations to increase the minimum wage in Colombia by 2025, tensions are already perceived between key actors. Business unions, in particular, have expressed concern about the unfavorable climate for dialogue, with labor reform being one of the main points of contention.
Read also: Minister of Labor indicated that the minimum wage for 2025 seeks to protect the purchasing power of Colombians
Although the negotiation table has not yet been formalized, positions are beginning to emerge. Unions and guilds have already begun to discuss their expectations regarding salary increases. However, the unions have expressed concern that, as in 2024, the increase could be decided by decree, without reaching a consensus. Jorge Enrique Bedoya, president of the Colombian Farmers Society, has openly criticized the Ministry of Labor’s approach, pointing out that the minister’s actions on labor reform have created a bad environment for the upcoming negotiations.
For his part, Jaime Alberto Cabal, president of Fenalco, has expressed his pessimism about the possibility of reaching an agreement, citing that the labor reform was processed without the consultation of businessmen. In his opinion, this puts the minimum wage negotiation process at risk, since an excessive increase could affect business competitiveness and cause job loss.
You may be interested in: “I don’t want exploration contracts”: Petro
In addition, Óscar Cubillos, representative of Fedegan, has warned about a possible proposal from the unions that seeks a 15% increase over the current minimum wage, which would bring the amount to 1,500,000 pesos. The deadline to define this increase expires on December 30, 2024, which adds pressure to the parties involved in the negotiation.