Colombia Labour Rules From the Petro Era Are Scrapped, and Unions Are Angry
Colombia · LABOUR
Key Facts
- —Repeal date Resolucion 2708 de 2026, signed 20 August 2026
- —Minister Natalia Eugenia Lopez Fuentes
- —Scope 11 administrative circulars withdrawn
- —Law status Law 2466 of 2025 remains in force
- —Union reaction Criticism reported by Infobae on 21 August 2026
The move removes official guidance on how the 2025 labour reform should be applied, but the law itself remains in force.
Colombia labour rules from the Petro era are being scrapped, and unions are angry. The Ministry of Labour repealed 11 administrative circulars issued under the previous government.
The instrument was Resolucion 2708 de 2026, signed on 20 August 2026.
Colombia Labour Rules and What Changes Now
The circulars covered how Law 2466 of 2025 was applied, including working hours, domestic work, piece-rate pay, overtime registration and extra hours. They also addressed dismissal of workers with reinforced job protection, care and gender equality, union freedom, union permits and collective agreements.
Other circulars dealt with private security working hours, disciplinary due process and contract types. The rest covered delivery platforms, bargaining demands and domestic work inspections.
The repeal was signed by Minister Natalia Eugenia Lopez Fuentes.
What Stays in Place
The repeal did not touch the 2025 labour reform law itself. Law 2466 of 2025 remains in force.
What was withdrawn is the ministry’s guidance on how to interpret it. A circular is an administrative instruction telling officials and employers how a law should be applied.
Therefore, a circular is weaker than a law and easier to withdraw. This distinction matters for understanding the current situation.
Union Anger
Union criticism reported by Infobae on 21 August 2026 used the phrase that the dismantling of labour rights had begun. This reflects deep concern among workers.
However, no specific union was named in the reports. The criticism came from unions as a collective voice.
Business Welcome
FENALCO, the national retail federation, welcomed the decision. Its president Jaime Alberto Cabal said the measure addressed concerns about the labour market, in statements reported on 21 August 2026.
In contrast, unions see the move as a setback. The divide highlights the ongoing tension between business and labour.
Context of the Change
Abelardo de la Espriella took office as president of Colombia on 7 August 2026, succeeding Gustavo Petro. This change in leadership set the stage for the repeal.
Since the new administration began, it has moved quickly to alter labour policies. The repeal is one of the first major actions in this area.
What It Means for Workers
For workers, the repeal means that official guidance on how to apply the reform is gone. Employers and officials now lack that specific instruction.
As a result, interpretation may vary. This could lead to confusion in the short term.
What It Means for Employers
Employers may find it easier to navigate labour rules without the circulars. FENALCO’s welcome reflects this perspective.
Still, the underlying law remains, so employers must still comply with its provisions. The change is in interpretation, not in the law itself.
The Role of Circulars
Circulars are administrative tools, not laws. They provide guidance but can be withdrawn by a minister.
In this case, the minister chose to withdraw 11 of them. This is a significant administrative action.
Looking Ahead
The future of Colombia labour rules will depend on how the ministry issues new guidance. Meanwhile, unions are likely to continue their opposition.
Overall, the situation remains fluid. The law is intact, but the interpretation is now open to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly was repealed?
The Ministry of Labour repealed 11 administrative circulars. These circulars provided guidance on how to apply Law 2466 of 2025.
Is the labour reform law still in effect?
Yes, Law 2466 of 2025 remains in force. The repeal only removed the ministry’s interpretation guidelines, not the law itself.
Why are unions angry?
Unions criticized the move, saying it began the dismantling of labour rights. They fear the loss of protective guidance.
Who signed the resolution?
Minister Natalia Eugenia Lopez Fuentes signed Resolucion 2708 de 2026. The resolution was issued on 20 August 2026.
Connected Coverage
Sources: Semana; Infobae; Colombian Ministry of Labour.
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