Following stalled negotiations, Labor Minister Antonio Sanguino confirmed the 2026 minimum wage increase—now incorporating President Gustavo Petro's 'vital minimum wage' for family living costs—will be announced Dec 29-30 and decreed by Dec 31, per ILO standards.
In the ongoing 2026 minimum wage talks—where unions demand 16% and employers offer 7.21%, with prior government hints above 12%—President Gustavo Petro announced on Dec 23 that the increase will consider a family's vital basket, covering food, housing, health, education, transport, clothing, and more, to ensure dignified living per ILO guidelines.
Sanguino specified the announcement between Dec 29-30, with decree before Dec 31. The decision factors in inflation, productivity, and Petro's vital wage, a first-time inclusion. ILO recommends evidence-based methods, like the updated 2016-2017 Enph survey estimating $2.9 million monthly for a family of four.
Historical context: Wages rose 17.7% under Petro (2023-2025) vs. fell 1.4% prior. Current wage: $1,423,500 (after 16% in 2023 to $1,160,000; 12.07% in 2024 to $1,300,000; 9.54% in 2025).
