Minimum wage
Colombia's February unemployment rate drops to 9.2%
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Dane reported Colombia's February 2026 unemployment rate at 9.2%, the lowest for any February since 2001, with 2.45 million unemployed people. Occupied population rose to 24.09 million, up 624,000 from February 2025. President Gustavo Petro and Labor Minister Antonio Sanguino hailed the figures and defended the minimum wage increase.
In an update to its February provisional suspension of Colombia's 23.7% minimum wage increase for 2026, the Council of State dismissed government appeals, keeping the original decree suspended but maintaining the transitory increase via Decree 159 of 2026. Labor Minister Antonio Sanguino affirmed the measure's continuity pending a final merits ruling.
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A new survey reveals that Brazilian workers dedicate an average of 40.1 hours per week to paid work, below the global average of 42.7 hours. The analysis, based on data from 160 countries, shows Brazil in lower positions in rankings adjusted for productivity, demographics, and taxes. Brazilian women, in particular, are approaching the world standard, especially among the youngest.
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.
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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.