Colombia's Ministry of Labor has activated a QR code for workers to confidentially report non-compliance with the new minimum wage. The tool aims to curb evasions following the government's 23% increase. So far, 864 complaints have been filed, including over 230 against a single employer.
Colombia's Ministry of Labor announced the rollout of a digital tool accessible via QR code, enabling workers to confidentially report violations of the new minimum vital wage. Launched on January 23, 2026, this measure protects the complainant's identity and allows technical follow-up on each case, triggering institutional mechanisms such as inspections, surveillance, and control (IVC) with preventive, corrective, and sanctioning approaches.
Official reports indicate the ministry has received 864 complaints regarding non-payment of the wage increase or deteriorations in working conditions. A notable case involves more than 230 complaints against a single employer. Labor Minister Antonio Sanguino stated that the initiative aims to halt evasion tactics that emerged after the 23% minimum wage hike, set at $1,750,905 monthly plus a $249,095 transportation subsidy, totaling $2,000,000, per Decrees 1469 and 1470 issued by President Gustavo Petro's government.
Complaints extend beyond the salary adjustment to include irregular maneuvers like contract terminations or non-renewals in retaliation for the raise, as well as other violations. Vice Minister of Labor Relations Sandra Muñoz highlighted issues such as workweeks exceeding 42 hours, failure to pay night and holiday premiums, and inconsistencies in social benefits recognition. Sanguino noted: “The complaints focus on the lack of the legal increase, irregular labor practices, and the termination or non-renewal of contracts as direct retaliation to the wage increase.”
The QR code is available on the ministry's official channels and social media, ensuring due process and case traceability.
