Colombia: Congress has the Power to Allow Remote Sessions

Through Circulars 115 and 116 (9 July), the Colombian Constitutional Court announced its decision regarding the constitutionality of Decree 491. In general, the Court found that the content of the decree successfully adhered to the Constitution, except for article 12. Following the constitutional review process of every decree issued under the powers granted during a state of Economic, Social and Ecological Emergency, the Court found article 12 of Decree 491 unnecessary and incompatible with the Constitution. Since Congress has the power to allow remote sessions, it does not need to enact a special decree in order to do so. The Court based its conclusion on the autonomy and independence of the Congress to decide and self-regulate any such remote sessions in furtherance of its functions.

For additional information on any matter related to labor issues in Colombia, please contact Alejandro Castellanos (Partner) of López & Asociados at alejandro.castellanos@lopezasociados.net or visit www.lopezasociados.net

For more information please contact Joseph Granato, Communications Manager at L&E Global at joseph.granato@leglobal.org.