Colombia: A New Reduction in the Working Day Starting July 15th

As we informed in previous bulletins, according to Law 2101 of 2021, Colombia gradually reduced the maximum working hours. From July 15^th, 2024, the maximum weekly legal working hours will be 46.

This Law established a phased plan to reduce the maximum working hours, transitioning from 48 hours per week, which was in place until July 14^th, 2023, to 42 hours starting July 15^th, 2026, without reducing workers’ salaries. For the coming years, the reduction is expected to proceed as follows:

Date	Maximum hours per week
July 15th, 2025	44
July 15th, 2026	42

 

Which workers are exempt from this measure?

This reduction applies to all workers in positions subject to the maximum legal working hours, with the following exceptions:

• Employees under 18 years of age (with reduced hours according to the Law).
• Public employees (subject to specific legal provisions).
• Workers in the position of trust (excluded from maximum working hours).
• Workers in unhealthy occupations (who have reduced hours).
• Workers with discontinuous schedules.

 

Reducing working hours in Colombia aims to create a balance between personal and work life and align with the recommendations of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and international standards in labour matters.