Colombia Update: Progressive reduction of the weekly working shifts

Reduction: The ordinary working shift will be reduced from 48 hours a week to 42 hours a week. 

Distribution of the working shifts: By mutual consent between the employer and the employees, the 42-hour week may be distributed over 5 or 6 days, guaranteeing a day of rest. 

Progressive implementation:

• After 2 years of enforceability of said law (July 2023), it will be reduced by 1 hour, that is, 47 hours per week.
• After 3 years (July 2024) an additional hour will be reduced, that is, 46 hours per week. 

• Starting in the fourth year, the working shift will be reduced by 2 hours, until reaching 42 hours per week, as follows: 

            4th year (July 2025): 44 hours.

            5th year (July 2026): 42 hours. 

That is, until July 2026, the 42-hour week will be enforceable. 

Employer faculty: The law allows employers to voluntarily implement the 42-hour working shifts immediately. 

Acquired rights: The reduction of the working shifts will not imply the reduction of salary or benefits, nor the value of the ordinary working hour.

Exemption: The reduction of the working day will exonerate employers from applying: 

• Family day (article 3 Law 1857 of 2017).

Recreational, cultural, sports or training activities (Article 21 of Law 50 of 1990). During the transition period, these activities must be carried out proportionally.

By LLOREDA CAMACHO & CO, Colombia, a Transatlantic Law International Affiliated Firm.  

For further information or for any assistance please contact colombia@transatlanticlaw.com 

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