The Central Unitaria de Trabajadores (CUT) valued Interior Minister Armando Benedetti's proposal for a 12% increase in the 2026 minimum wage but urged the government to get closer to the 16% sought by unions. CUT president Fabio Arias made this direct appeal to President Gustavo Petro. Negotiations continue with key dates from December 22 to 30.
The debate over Colombia's 2026 minimum wage progresses amid divergent positions from unions, businesses, and the government. On December 17, 2025, Interior Minister Armando Benedetti announced in an interview with RCN's La FM that the government could decree an increase above 12%, prompting a positive but conditional response from the CUT.
CUT president Fabio Arias valued Benedetti's proposal but stressed the need to approach 16%. "From the Central Unitaria de Trabajadores, it seems like a good announcement to us, but we continue insisting, especially to those who will ultimately make the decision, President Gustavo Petro, to get as close as possible to 16%," Arias stated. He added that a 16% rise would be "excellent news for Colombian workers," setting the minimum wage at $1,650,680 plus $232,000 in transportation aid.
Labor Minister Antonio Sanguino, meanwhile, pushed for agreement through concertation. He revealed that after the meetings failed by December 15, a new 48-hour period opened to submit reservations and continue discussions. Labor federations hold to their 16% demand, while employers propose 7.21%, which would set the minimum at $1,525,598 with $214,420 aid.
Sanguino noted that without consensus, the increase would be set by decree before December 30, as in previous years. Benedetti hinted at a possible surprise above 12%, nearing the union stance. Both sides show willingness to negotiate, though without yielding yet.
