Employment
Código Sustantivo del Trabajo with 47-hour week phasing to 42
The Código Sustantivo del Trabajo governs employment. Ley 2101/2021 reduces the ordinary week from 48 to 42 hours in annual steps through 2026. Dismissal without just cause requires compensation graduated by salary and length of service. Employees receive a mandatory prima de servicios equal to one month's pay per year, paid in two instalments.
Key rules
- Jurisdiction — National, enforced by labour courts and the Ministerio de Trabajo
- Deadline — Prima de servicios: paid by 30 June and 20 December
- Deadline — Annual leave: 15 business days per year
- Deadline — Claims limitation: three years
Governing law
- Código Sustantivo del Trabajo
- Ley 2101/2021working-time reduction
- Ley 1010/2006workplace harassment
In practice
Colombian employment cost includes several mandatory extras beyond salary — the prima de servicios, cesantías with annual interest, and transport allowance for lower-paid workers — so budgeting from base pay alone understates the real burden. Stability protections are strong for pregnant workers and those with health limitations, where dismissal requires prior labour-inspector authorisation.