The Petro government’s labour reform bill has taken another step forwards after Congress approved a number of important articles relating to worker rights yesterday. While others were removed from the bill, it represented the highest number of articles approved – 35 – in a single session since the reform was initially submitted in 2022.
In the debate, the lower house approved articles on formalising the status of workers in the sectors of digital platforms and social care. The relevant article states that the reform ‘prioritises population groups located in territories with the highest rates of informal [employment]’.
Also approved was the recognition of night work as starting from 7pm, rather than the 9pm start that currently qualifies for overtime pay, alongside strengthened rights of workers who find themselves unable to work due to an unexpected incapacity or disability. Employers must also log overtime hours and provide this record to staff alongside their pay cheque.
The reform also stipulates maximum workload of eight hours per day, or 42 hours per week to be spread over no more than six days. Workers are also entitled to time off for important commitments such as medical appointments, school visits and funerals. Employees that are obliged to work on their days of rest are entitled to 100 per cent overtime although this will be gradually implemented, starting from 80 per cent next year.
The labour reform is among several bills submitted in congress by the Petro government, alongside reforms in education, healthcare and pensions. While only the last of these has been fully approved, due to come into effect next year, the latest advances for the labour reform suggest the government may be able to counter strong congressional opposition to meet one of its flagship policies of addressing Colombia’s gaping inequality.
However, trade unions have strongly criticised the opposition after core articles relating to trade union rights were removed in previous debates, as the government was forced to seek compromises with opponents in order to advance the labour reform. It remains to be seen whether these will be reinstated at a future point.