Following the deadlocked wage commission and President Petro's push for a 'vital minimum wage,' Labor Minister Antonio Sanguino confirmed the 2026 decree will be announced Dec. 29-30. Rumors point to an 18-19% hike from the current $1,423,500 (plus $200,000 transport subsidy), though no figure is finalized. Note: the adjustment applies only to minimum wage earners, with no automatic boosts for higher salaries.
Building on prior reports of stalled tripartite talks, the government is finalizing the decree for Colombia's first 'familial vital minimum wage,' per Article 53 of the Constitution and ILO standards. This aims to cover a basic family basket for dignified living, incorporating economic variables, regional differences, and inputs from Finance, Trade, and Agriculture ministries.
The 2025 SMMLV is $1,423,500 monthly, plus $200,000 transport aid for those up to two minima (totaling $1,623,500 effective). Sanguino emphasized ongoing calculations: 'We don't have conclusive data as we build the decree.' Petro highlighted it in his Christmas message. The announcement stays within legal deadlines, despite employer/worker reservations.
