Petro Government Faces Third Major Reform Defeat as Colombian Senate Rejects Labor Bill

Colombia’s Senate Seventh Commission voted down President Gustavo Petro’s labor reform bill after five hours of debate. Eight senators opposed the legislation while six supported it, delivering the third major legislative defeat to Colombia’s first leftist president.

Labor Minister Antonio Sanguino immediately announced plans to issue nine presidential decrees to rescue key provisions of the failed reform. The government also continues developing a popular consultation where voters can directly approve reform elements, bypassing legislative roadblocks.

The defeated bill would have reduced the work week from 48 to 42 hours and increased compensation for Sunday and holiday work. It also aimed to formalize domestic, agricultural, and platform workers while strengthening collective bargaining rights.

Opposition senators cited a Central Bank report claiming the reform would eliminate over 400,000 jobs. Senator Honorio Henríquez called it “a lethal blow to employment” that would harm companies generating 80% of national jobs.

Minister Sanguino disputed these figures, insisting the reform would create 91,000 new jobs annually. He maintained the legislation would not impact fiscal frameworks or public employment.

Petro took office in August 2022 with an ambitious agenda to transform Colombia‘s economic structures. His administration secured minimum wage increases and pension reforms but failed to advance health, tax, and now labor initiatives.

Colombia’s Government Faces Internal Strife

The government coalition has fragmented due to ideological differences and corruption scandals involving cabinet members. Though leftist parties hold their highest-ever number of legislative seats, they lack the majority needed to pass legislation independently.

Interior Minister Armando Benedetti said officials have drafted eleven referendum questions so far. These will likely address overtime pay, working hours, and holiday compensation rules.

Thousands of government supporters gathered in Plaza Bolívar during the Senate debate to back the reform. Meanwhile, opposition demonstrations have drawn tens of thousands protesting Petro’s economic policies in recent months.

Colombia’s Ombudsman’s Office had urged the Senate to continue debating the bill, citing its importance for worker protections. The legislation aimed to reverse neoliberal policies implemented by former administrations while incorporating international labor standards recommended by the OECD.