Labor Reform Approved in Second Debate in the House of Representatives

The House of Representatives approved the labor reform bill presented by the National Government with 93 votes in favor and 13 against. The approved bill contains 81 articles, including provisions for increasing remuneration on mandatory rest days from 75% to 100%, to be phased in by 2027; formalizing employment for community mothers; establishing employment contracts for SENA students; and providing paid leave for medical appointments, school commitments, union commissions, or domestic emergencies, and extending paternity leave to up to 4 weeks.

Articles removed include parental leave for same sex adopting couples, increased compensation for dismissal without just cause, and the agricultural contract.

Eight articles were added addressing formalization and employment for cargo and passenger transportation workers, programs for first and last employment, promotion of sustainable work, flexible work environments, among others.

The bill will now proceed to the Seventh Senate Committee for the final two debates.