Colombia ⁤Senate Approves Labor Bill amid Political Tensions

⁢ ‍ Updated june 18,2025
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colombia’s Senate passed a labor bill Tuesday night,perhaps increasing overtime pay for workers and tightening regulations on short-term employment contracts.The bill’s approval highlights growing ⁢friction between‍ the Senate and President Gustavo Petro concerning economic and health system reforms. These reforms have deeply divided the nation and strained the balance of power within Colombia’s democracy.

President petro has repeatedly ⁣accused Congress of⁣ obstructing his reform efforts. he recently issued a decree calling on the National Registrar to organize a referendum on labor⁢ laws. However, the agency stated it would await court rulings on the referendum’s legality, given ⁢the Senate’s previous rejection ⁤of the proposal last month. The president’s actions and the Senate’s role have sparked debate about the future of labor‍ laws.

Petro has threatened constitutional changes through a constituent assembly if the referendum is blocked. He labeled opponents of the referendum as committing “treason” in a post on X. Opposition ‍leaders have criticized petro, accusing him of authoritarian tendencies as he attempts to bypass congressional decisions.

The approved labor bill, largely mirroring proposals from petro’s Historical Pact party, increases surcharges for Sunday work and late-night shifts, impacting retailers, restaurants, and hotels.It also mandates that ⁣delivery apps formally employ delivery workers, either as freelancers or full-time employees,⁣ and contribute to their health insurance ⁣costs. business associations argue these changes will increase employment costs and potentially raise ⁢unemployment.

Currently, 56% of Colombian workers operate in the informal economy without contracts. Economists anticipate the reforms could push more workers into⁣ this sector. Supporters, however, claim the bill aims to restore worker rights that existed before the 1990s, when labor laws became more flexible. the Senate and House must now reconcile their versions of the bill⁣ and agree on a final version.

Petro stated on X that he will continue advocating⁣ for the referendum until both ‍legislative chambers vote on the final bill, underscoring the ongoing political role and debate surrounding labor reform in Colombia.

What’s next

The House of Representatives will now debate and vote on its version of the labor bill,setting the stage for further⁤ negotiations and potential⁤ compromise between the two⁢ chambers of Congress.