Colombia's New Labor Reform: 5 Key Changes Impacting Workers and Businesses

Bogotá, Colombia - Colombia has implemented a new labor reform, introducing five key changes set to significantly impact workers, employers, and digital platforms across the nation. The new legislation, which aims to enhance worker protections and formalize employment conditions, includes several notable provisions. Firstly, the reform adjusts the definition of night work hours, which will now commence at 7:00 p.m., earlier than the previous 9:00 p.m. start time. This change is expected to increase compensation for evening shifts. Secondly, the surcharge for working on Sundays and holidays has been increased from 75% to 100%. This means employees working on these designated rest days will receive double their regular pay. Thirdly, apprentices from SENA (National Learning Service) will see improved remuneration and benefits. During their elective stage, apprentices will receive 75% of the minimum wage, while in the practical stage, they will receive 100% of the minimum wage, along with social security contributions and benefits such as vacations, bonuses, and severance pay. Fourthly, the reform introduces mechanisms for the formalization of delivery workers on digital platforms. These platforms will now be responsible for making social security contributions (health, pension, and occupational risks) for their workers, regardless of whether they are classified as self-employed. Finally, the indefinite-term contract will become the general rule for employment in the country. While other forms of contracts, such as fixed-term, will still be permitted, the reform places limits on their application, particularly for roles considered essential to a company's core operations. This measure is intended to provide greater labor stability for workers.