Labor reform in Colombia: the right to strike, reforms and new laws to consider

Labor reform in Colombia and the right to strike as part of the new reforms

Colombian authorities, under President Petro, are proposing changes to labor law guidelines that will impact those eligible to strike in the country. The invoice describes specific situations that must be met for a strike to be approved by a trade union or group of workers.

The reform highlights that certain elements should be considered before suspending operations, particularly for workers in key sectors of the financial system. It states that a strike should be considered an elementary regularity and a way to implement and protect employees’ aspirations and rights.

“The state will provide a working train suitable for a strike for all workers, whether they are unionized or not. Partial strikes could also be carried out,” we read in the proposal.

However, it further highlights the need to ensure that strikes do not typically disrupt the operations of important suppliers. Minimum supplier negotiations with important public suppliers should be encouraged, and the Department of Labor will oversee this method. If no agreement can be reached, an impartial commission will determine the scope of service providers to be retained during the strike.

The new modifications define the procedures for initiating and conducting a strike in Colombia. Employers must be informed at least two days before the strike begins, and disputes will be referred to arbitration. Negotiations can take place both immediately between events and with the intervention of the Ministry of Labor.

Overall, the proposed reforms aim to strike a balance between the possibility of strikes and the need to ensure the continuity of important suppliers during any labor disputes.

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