Colombia Ministry of Labor repeals 11 employment circulars

The Colombian Ministry of Labor has issued Resolution 2708, effectively repealing 11 administrative circulars issued during the administration of Gustavo Petro. The Ministry stated the move was necessary for legal technicality and to correct issues regarding jurisdictional competence, arguing that some circulars established obligations without sufficient legal backing.

The revoked documents covered a wide range of sensitive labor issues, including overtime, domestic work, union freedom, collective bargaining, gender equity, and protections for workers with disabilities or reinforced occupational stability.

The decision has sparked significant backlash from labor organizations and political figures. The Central Unitaria de Trabajadores (CUT) and other unions expressed concern that the repeal could create a protection vacuum or lead to labor deregulation. Senator Iván Cepeda described the move as an “aggression against labor rights,” specifically noting the impact on vulnerable populations such as domestic workers and people with disabilities. While the government maintains that constitutional and statutory labor rights remain intact, critics argue the removal of these guidelines weakens the enforcement of worker protections.