Colombia Labour Rules From the Petro Era Are Scrapped, and Unions Are Angry

Colombia's Ministry of Labour has scrapped official guidance on the 2025 labour reform, reigniting anger from unions. The Petro-era labour rules are being scrapped, and unions are furious. The ministry repealed 11 administrative circulars issued under the previous government. These circulars detailed how Law 2466 of 2025 should be applied, covering working hours, domestic work, piece-rate pay, overtime registration, dismissal of workers, care and gender equality, union freedom, permits and collective agreements, private security working hours, disciplinary due process, contract types, delivery platforms, bargaining demands, and domestic work inspections.

The repeal, signed by Minister Natalia Eugenia Lopez Fuentes on 20 August 2026, did not touch the 2025 labour reform law itself. Law 2466 remains in force, but the ministry's interpretation guidelines have been withdrawn. The distinction is important, as circulars are weaker than laws and can be easily repealed. Union criticism, reported by Infobae on 21 August 2026, suggests that dismantling of labour rights has begun.

However, no specific union was named in the reports. FENALCO, the national retail federation, welcomed the decision, while unions see it as a setback. The change highlights the ongoing tension between business and labour. The repeal means that official guidance on how to apply the reform is gone, potentially leading to confusion in the short term.

Employers may find it easier to navigate without the circulars, but unions remain opposed, fearing a weakening of labour protections. The future of Colombia's labour rules will depend on how the ministry issues new guidance.