Colombian government plans a referendum on labor reform, focusing on employee health benefits and overtime pay. The proposed questions require public approval, facing opposition from business groups. President Petro seeks to mobilize support, but challenges remain regarding voter participation and legislative support.
The Colombian government recently unveiled a series of questions aimed for a referendum that could reshape labor laws, targeting greater access to health benefits and overtime for employees. However, this move raises concerns, as some experts caution that it might hinder job creation in Latin America’s fourth-largest economy.
Upon release, the Ministry of the Interior presented 12 questions intended for inclusion in what is termed a popular consultation in Colombia. This referendum is still awaiting a date, pending approval from the nation’s Senate. The proposed questions will gauge public opinion on various reforms related to labor laws, such as mandating health insurance for freelancers on food delivery platforms and increasing compensation for employees working on Sundays, potentially doubling their daily rates.
A notable proposition entails changing the working hours from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., suggesting that employees working outside these hours should receive additional pay. Previously, the government suggested implementing a 35% bonus for overtime during non-standard hours.
Business representatives express significant opposition to these reforms, arguing they could strain small and medium enterprises, complicating their ability to formalize worker contracts. Moreover, trade groups claim that the proposed changes will not help foster job creation. Jaime Alberto Cabal, president of the National Association of Merchants, emphasized in a video on X, “The government’s reforms do not recognize the reality of 16 million informal laborers and unemployed people in Colombia.”
In addition to labor provisions, the referendum will inquire whether a distinct fund should be established to support pensions for rural workers and whether firms should be required to hire two individuals with disabilities for every 100 employees.
President Gustavo Petro, in a recent televised address, announced plans to lead a march to Congress on May 1 to advocate for the referendum. He stated, “It’s time for the people to make their own decisions,” criticizing Congress for allegedly obstructing the public’s right to influence their own future.
As Petro’s government struggles to pass critical legislation on labor reforms and healthcare, a referendum could serve as an alternative pathway, something no previous administration has attempted. However, analysts warn that securing sufficient voter support may pose challenges, even with attractive concepts for rights-seeking workers.
Colombian law mandates that at least one-third of eligible voters must participate in such consultations for them to hold legal validity. This translates to about 13 million votes needed for the referendum results to be taken seriously — a tall order since Petro garnered 11 million votes in the last election.
Political analyst Yan Basset from Bogota’s Rosario University noted that while labor unions are likely to support the referendum, their ability to rally voters may be limited. He suggests that it could offer Petro a chance to mobilize his supporters ahead of the next presidential election, potentially providing an electoral edge. However, if the referendum fails to pass, it could undermine Petro’s image as a representative of the people’s interests.
In summary, Colombia’s proposed labor reform referendum seeks to assess public opinion on important issues such as health benefits and overtime compensation for workers. While it promises to enhance employee rights, concerns abound regarding its potential impact on job creation. With the endorsement of the government hinged on voter participation, the actual implementation of these reforms remains uncertain, revealing both the challenges and stakes involved for President Gustavo Petro’s administration.
Original Source: apnews.com
