Amid debates between workers, employers, and the government over the 2026 minimum wage adjustment, Neivans share their views. Proposals range from 16% by unions to 7.21% by business groups, as the labor minister seeks consensus to curb inflationary effects.
Negotiations for the 2026 minimum wage are tense between labor unions proposing a 16% increase and employers advocating for 7.21%. The national government, via the tripartite commission of unions, business groups, and the executive, aims for an agreement to prevent disputes. A new session begins this Thursday at 8 a.m., with a deadline of December 15 to reach consensus.
The current minimum wage stands at $1,423,500, excluding transport allowance. Under the workers' 16% proposal, it would rise to $1,651,260, an increase of $227,760. The employers' 7.21% would bring it to $1,526,134, adding just $102,634, creating a gap of $125,126 between the two. For the transport allowance, currently $200,000, the 7.21% adjustment would make it $214,420, while 16% would reach $232,000. Thus, the total wage with allowance would be $1,740,554 under the business proposal or $1,883,260 with the union one.
To reduce inflationary pressure, Labor Minister Antonio Sanguino announced decoupling social interest housing (VIS) and priority interest housing (VIP), as well as public services like drinking water. “From the government, we have considered decoupling housing, especially social interest housing (VIS) and priority interest housing (VIP). The labor federations have also proposed doing the same for public services, mainly drinking water service, which, as we have seen from Dane figures, has a significant impact on inflation,” Sanguino stated.
In Neiva, ordinary citizens are also engaging in the debate, offering their perspectives on which adjustment would best support the local and family economy.
