So far, the approval of multiple important articles has been achieved, including measures on job stability, working hours, and new special licenses.
The labor reform in Colombia continues to advance after the approval of several key articles in its second debate in the plenary session of the House of Representatives. Among the most notable points is the approval of the return of 100% surcharges for working on Sundays and holidays, a change that will be implemented gradually starting in 2025.
So far, the approval of multiple important articles has been achieved, including measures on job stability, working hours, and new special licenses. The plenary session of the Chamber also decided to declare the session permanent to expedite the debate and vote on the remaining articles, including articles 19, 20, 21, 37, 39, and 69 to 78, considered crucial within the framework of the reform.
Approved items
Among the articles already approved, several stand out that will directly impact workers and employers:
Article 11: Regulates the relocation of people covered by enhanced occupational stability. This article protects workers with a manifest disability or weakness, guaranteeing their right to be relocated to a position in accordance with their abilities.
Article 12: Establishes the objective evaluation factors at work, with the aim of promoting a fair and equitable evaluation.
Article 14: Defines the maximum legal working day of eight hours a day and 42 hours a week, allowing its distribution over five or six days, by mutual agreement between employer and worker, without affecting salary.
Article 15: Regulates overtime, requiring employers to keep a detailed record that must be delivered to the worker along with proof of payment.
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Article 16: Limits overtime work, allowing up to two overtime hours per day or a maximum of twelve hours per week, with exceptions for sectors such as health and safety.
Specific licenses
One of the most debated topics was Article 18, which establishes new obligations for employers, such as the granting of licenses for specific situations. These include cases of disabling menstruation, medical appointments related to gender violence, domestic calamities, and school activities for workers’ children. Although some congressmen expressed concern about possible negative effects on the hiring of women, the article was approved.
Regarding Sunday and holiday surcharges, the gradual return to 100% was approved. Starting in July 2025, the surcharge will be 80%, rising to 90% in 2026, until reaching 100% in July 2027. Employers will be able to choose to apply this full surcharge from the entry into force of the law, which which has been well received by unions that advocate for better remuneration for workers on these special days.
The labor reform continues to advance in the midst of an intense debate, while the discussion of the remaining articles is awaited.
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